When diagnosing a canine patient with heartworms, what does an ELISA antigen test detect in the patient's sample?
Correct Answer: A
Commercially available ELISA antigen methodology tests look for antigens to the adult female heartworm. Worm maturation time accounts for the lag between infection and a positive test. One cause of false negatives is single-sex (male only) infections. Microfilial tests can be performed through a direct microscopic exam, or with concentration test kits. A diagnosis of canine heartworm disease is relatively simple and requires only a positive serum test for the heartworm antigen and the identification of microfilaria. Feline heartworm disease is more complicated, however, and a diagnosis requires several positive tests. These include a positive heartworm antibody titer, basophilia and eosinophilia in the blood, enlarged pulmonary vessels, and an EKG showing a worm's presence.
Question 207
Which species normally has basophils containing numerous, prominent blue-purple granules?
Correct Answer: D
Basophils containing numerous, prominent blue-purple granules are normal findings in horses and cattle. Not only do the granules differ among species, but the size of the cells relative to others as well as the appearance of the nuclei vary. Cats generally have multiple lavender granules. Dogs generally have multiple dark blue granules. Non-mammalian species generally have multiple dark purple granules. If an animal has an increased number of basophils, it generally means the presence of parasite infections, a hypersensitivity reaction, or potentially a neoplastic process. These cells are rarely found in peripheral blood samples under healthy conditions.
Question 208
All of the following are true when considering the dehiscence of a surgical site, except:
Correct Answer: D
A seroma is a collection of serum that accumulates under the incision, usually in the superficial skin layer. A seroma is non-painful but flocculent and must be differentiated from a hematoma or break in the body wall. It often occurs because animals are not sufficiently exercise-restricted. Still, it can also happen when surgery requires excessive dissection of the nearby tissue or if the tissue planes are not adequately and sufficiently opposed. Seromas can take time, but usually heal without intervention or with warm compresses +/- bandaging in some instances and depending on the type of surgery/location of the abnormality. Unlike a seroma, however, an incisional dehiscence is a more major complication that warrants intervention. Dehiscence refers to the breakdown of all surgical incisional layers (or surgically repaired wounds). It is an uncommon but potential complication of any wound repair or surgical incision. Further, it can increase the risk of developing evisceration (for abdominal surgeries) and/or sepsis. Dehiscence can result for various reasons, including: *Separation of surgical incisional layers due to excess licking by the patient, often due to owners who fail to put the e-collar on when advised and when not with the patient. Proper education is required. No owner can watch their pet 100% of the time, and just because they do not lick in our presence doesn't mean they will not when unattended. *Separation of surgical incisional layers due to excess activity by the patient. Failing to restrict exercise as directed by the veterinarian can lead to stretching and pulling on the incision, leading to breakdown and increasing the risk of dehiscence and other complications. *Suture breakage, improperly tied sutures and knots that slip, or poor surgical technique.
Question 209
Which of the following is an example of blunt force trauma?
Correct Answer: A
Falling from a balcony is an example of blunt force trauma. Blunt force trauma is any injury resulting from significant impact sustained by the body. A gunshot wound and a bite wound from another animal are examples of penetrating trauma. Biting an electrical cord is dangerous, but is not an example of trauma. Joanna M. Bassert, VMD. McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 9th Edition. Pg 859. Mosby's Comprehensive Review for Veterinary Technicians 5th Edition. Pg 578-579.
Question 210
Which of the following controlled drug categories used in veterinary patients has the highest potential for abuse and dependency by humans?
Correct Answer: C
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has grouped controlled substances into five categories based on the potential for abuse: *Schedule I controlled substances are considered to be unsafe, the most addictive, and with the least potential medical benefit. They have very limited use in veterinary medicine. *Schedule II controlled substances are drugs that have high abuse potential and severe dependence liability. *Schedule III controlled substances are drugs that have a moderate dependence liability. *Schedule IV controlled substances are drugs that have a limited dependence liability. *Schedule V controlled substances are drugs that have a limited abuse potential.
