GP practical exam

What are the three primary methods for obtaining a urine sample, and which is required for a culture and sensitivity test?

The methods are free catch (voided), urethral catheterization, and cystocentesis. If a culture is needed, cystocentesis is the only choice to ensure a sterile sample

How can you distinguish between hematuria, hemoglobinuria, and myoglobinuria based on urine appearance after centrifugation?

Hematuria: The urine clears with centrifugation as red blood cells (RBCs) form a sediment

Hemoglobinuria & Myoglobinuria: The urine remains red/brown and does not clear with centrifugation

Which animal species naturally has cloudy, mucus-filled urine containing calcium carbonate crystals?

The horse

What equipment is used to measure Urine Specific Gravity (USG), and what does it indicate?

A refractometer. USG indicates how well the kidneys can concentrate or dilute urine, providing information on renal function and hydration status

Define "Relative Polycythemia" in terms of Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Total Protein (TP).

Relative polycythemia is characterized by an increased PCV accompanied by increased TP and clinical symptoms of dehydration

What are three morphological signs of regenerative anemia visible on a blood smear?

Anisocytosis (variation in cell size), polychromasia (immature bluish RBCs), and the presence of Howell-Jolly bodies(nuclear fragments).

How do you classify an anemia that has a low Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and low Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)?

It is classified as microcytic hypochromic anemia, which is typically associated with iron deficiency

Why are reticulocytes not used to assess regeneration in horses?

Horses do not release reticulocytes into peripheral blood, even during active regeneration

Which tests are used to evaluate Primary vs. Secondary Hemostasis?

Primary: Platelet count and Mucosal Bleeding Time (MBT).

Secondary: Prothrombin Time (PT) (extrinsic pathway) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)(intrinsic pathway)

What is the significance of a high D-dimer or Fibrin Degradation Product (FDP) result?

It indicates active fibrinolysis (clot dissolution) and is commonly associated with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), sepsis, or severe hepatic disease

Define the severity of thrombocytopenia in dogs based on platelet count.

Mild: < 100–150 x 10³/μl; Moderate: 40–100 x 10³/μl; Severe: < 40 x 10³/μl (high risk for spontaneous bleeding)

Where are the standard ECG electrodes (Yellow, Red, Green, Black) placed on a dog?

Yellow: Left foreleg (elbow/axilla).

Red: Right foreleg.

Green: Left hind leg (groin).

Black: Right hind leg.

What is "Sinus Respiratory Arrhythmia," and is it pathological in dogs?

It is a rhythm where the heart rate increases during inhalation and decreases during exhalation due to vagal stimuli. It is physiologic (normal) in dogs.

How do you distinguish between Atrial Fibrillation and Ventricular Premature Complexes (VPC) on an ECG?

Atrial Fibrillation: Characterized by a lack of P waves (replaced by f waves) and an irregularly irregular R-R interval, but with normal-looking QRS complexes.

VPC: Characterized by an abnormal, wider QRS complex that occurs prematurely and is not associated with a P wave

What is this?

Rouleaux

What are ethologies of non-regenerative anemia?

• Liver insufficiency

• Chronic kidney disease

• Pancreatic insufficiency

Signs of anemia on a hemogram

• Low RBC 

• Low PCV → anemia 

• Low Hb

MCV (mean corpuscular volume) value on a hemogram lets you know…

Whether RBCs are macrocytic, microcytic or normocytic

MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) lets you know…

The color, whether it is normochromic, hyperchromia, hypochromia

A high number of BAND NF (immature neutrophils) on a hemogram indicates…

• LEFT shift

• NEUTROPHILIA

• Signaling acute infection or inflammation

• Indicating active bacterial infection or severe inflammation.

• Severe tissue necrosis, or myeloid hyperplasia.

• Increased oxygen affinity (harder to release oxygen to tissues), caused by low temperature, low PCO2, low 2,3-DPG, or high pH (alkalosis).

A high number of SEG NF (mature neutrophils) on a hemogram indicates…

• A RIGHT shift

• HYPERSEGMENTATION

• Often indicating vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

• Decreased oxygen affinity (easier to release oxygen to tissues), caused by high temperature, high PCO2, high 2,3-DPG, or low pH (acidosis)

Megaloblastic anemia (e.g., 𝐵12 deficiency), chronic infections

Low PLT (plasma total proteins) on a hemogram indicates…

Thrombocytopenia

Q1. What does this hemogram show?

Q2. What is the most likely etiology for the low plasma proteins in this case?

Q3. Finally, what is the conclusion?

• Macrocytic, Normochromic Regenerative anaemia, Inflammatory / infectious leukogram, LEFT SHIFT regenerative, Hypoproteinemia

• Haemorrhage

• Anemia secondary to gastric haemorrhage

Q1. What does this hemogram show?

Q2. What is the likely ethology for this anemia?

Q3. Finally, what is the conclusion?

• Macrocytic, normochromic, regenerative anemia (Left shift)

• Haemolytic anemia (jaundice)

• Thromobocytopenia

Signs of haemolytic anemia vs. anemia secondary to gastric haemorrhage

• Hemolytic anemia: Characterized by the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) —> Jaundice and dark urine

• Anemia secondary to gastric hemorrhage: Caused by active blood loss into the digestive tract, resulting in stool changes and signs of blood loss

What is this?

Agglutination

What is this?

1. Spherocytes

2. Reticulocytes

3. Erythrocytes

*Polychromasia and Macrocytosis (abnormally large RBCs often stemming from nutrient deficiencies (B12/folate) or liver disease) / Anisocytosis (indicating excessive variation in the size of RBCs)

What is the most likely etiology of haemolytic anemia?

Idiopathic

Q1. What does this hemogram show?

Q2. What is the ethology of this anemia?

Q3. Finally, what is the conclusion?

• Macrocytic, normochromic, regenerative anemia (left shift)

• Haemolytic anemia

• Thrombocytopenia

What is this?

Hemoglobinemia (hemolysis)

Q1. What do you see?

Q2. Which is the most likely etiology for haemolytic anemia in this case?

• Babes canis

• Hemoparasites

• HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA DUE TO BABESIA CANIS INFECTION

Q1. What does this hemogram show?

Q2. What is the ethology of this anemia?

Q3. Finally, what is the conclusion?

• Microcytic, hypochromic non regenerative anaemia, hypoproteinemia (low PTP value)

• Non inflammatory/infectious leucogram - right shift (likely,
  chronic disease)

• Image shows: microcytosis

NON REGENERATIVE ANEMIA DUE TO MALABSORPTION SECONDARY TO EPI

Q1. What does this hemogram show?

Q2. What is the ethology of this anemia?

Q3. Finally, what is the conclusion?

• Macrocytic, normochromic regenerative anaemia (right shift)

• Stress leukogram (leukocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphopenia and eosinopenia)

Normal PTP (total plasma protein) value on a hemogram indicates….

Haemolytic anemia

What do you see?

Reticulocytes

What do you see?

Heinz bodies

What kind of anemia?

HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA SECONDARY TO KETONE BODIES ACCUMULATION

Define pulmonary emphysema and its primary pathophysiological mechanism.

It is the abnormal, permanent enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal bronchiole accompanied by the destruction of alveolar septal walls. The mechanism involves air entering the alveoli during inspiration but becoming trapped during expiration because damaged bronchial walls collapse.

What are the classic clinical signs of emphysema on physical exam?

Expiratory dyspnea, a dry cough, and a tympanic sound on percussion (due to trapped air)

Differentiate between a Transudate and an Exudate in pleural effusion based on laboratory findings.

Transudate: Clear/light yellow, no odor, density < 1017, proteins < 3 g/dl, and leukocytes < 1500/ml

Exudate: Cloudy/opaque, variable color, bad odor, density > 1017, proteins > 3 g/dl, and leukocytes > 7000/ml

Define Hemothorax and Chylothorax

Hemothorax is bleeding into the pleural space (often from trauma or tumors).

Chylothorax is the accumulation of lymph fluid due to lymphatic drainage obstruction (e.g., lymphoma).

What is the hallmark of pulmonary fibrosis and which dog breed is genetically predisposed?

It is the replacement of lung parenchyma with scarring/fibrous tissue. It is often idiopathic and particularly common in West Highland White Terriers (WHWT)

What unique auscultation finding is associated with fibrosis?

Increased respiratory sounds specifically described as crackles

How does a mediastinal mass lead to Horner’s Syndrome?

The mass causes neurologic compression of the sympathetic trunk. Signs include ptosis (drooping eyelid), miosis (constricted pupil), and enophthalmos (sunken eye)

Why might a dog with a mediastinal mass present with regurgitation?

The mass causes digestive compression of the esophagus

What is Pneumonic Syndrome (Pulmonary Condensation)?

A pathology where air within the alveoli is replaced by a solid or fluid mix, such as dense inflammatory exudate, blood, or tumor cells

What are the physical exam findings for lung consolidation?

Dull percussion, decreased vesicular murmur, and a decrease in thorax mobility

What are the three main etiologies (causes) of atelectasis?

Contraction: Due to a lack of surfactant.

Resorption/Obstructive: Complete obstruction of a bronchiole leading to air absorption.

Compressive: External pressure from tumors or pleural effusion

Distinguish between the two types of Traumatic Pneumothorax

• Open pneumothorax is caused by penetrating wounds (e.g., bite or gunshot)

• Closed pneumothorax is caused by internal blunt force trauma leading to a breakage in the trachea or lung parenchyma

What is a common iatrogenic cause of pneumothorax in cats?

Trachea breakage caused by excessive pressure in the endotracheal (ET) tube balloon during intubation

What are the three hallmark clinical signs of Horner’s Syndrome caused by a mediastinal mass?

Ptosis (drooping eyelid), Miosis (constricted pupil), and Enophthalmos (sunken eye).

What is "Cranial Vena Cava Syndrome" and how does it manifest?

It is caused by a mediastinal mass compressing the cranial vena cava, leading to edema in the head, neck, and forelimbs

In Pneumonic Syndrome (Condensation), what replaces the air in the alveoli?

Air is replaced by a solid/fluid mix, which can be dense inflammatory exudate (pneumonia), tumor masses, or blood (hemorrhage).

What are the two types of Spontaneous Pneumothorax?

Primary, which occurs in otherwise healthy animals and is commonly idiopathic;

Secondary, which results from previous lung diseases like pneumonia, abscesses, or tumors

What auscultation finding is characteristic of Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Increased respiratory sounds specifically described as crackles

How does "Resorption Atelectasis" occur?

It is caused by the complete obstruction of a bronchiole, which leads to the resorption of the air already in the alveoli, causing that section of the lung to collapse

What are the three primary types of Pleural Effusion based on etiology?

1. Transudate/Exudate: Fluid from pressure changes or inflammation.

2. Hemothorax: Blood from trauma, tumors, or coagulopathies.

3. Chylothorax: Lymphatic fluid from drainage obstruction (e.g., lymphoma)

Why is a "closed" traumatic pneumothorax different from an "open" one?

An Open pneumothorax involves a penetrating wound (bite, gunshot), while a Closed pneumothorax is due to internal blunt force trauma causing a breakage in the trachea or lung parenchyma

What are the physical exam findings for an animal with Pleural Effusion?

Mixed (inspiratory) dyspnea, superficial/rapid breathing, an overinflated chest, dull sound on percussion, and reduced lung sounds on auscultation

When performing urinalysis in small animals

We must always use the refractometer when measuring the urine specific gravity

A refractometer is the gold standard for measuring the concentration of urine.

"P mitral" (a wide P-wave) indicates…

left atrial enlargement

the yellow electrode is placed on the…

left forelimb and the red electrode typically goes on the right forelimb.

At a paper speed of 50 mm/s, one small square (1 mm) actually represents…

0.02 seconds. The value 0.04 seconds refers to a paper speed of 25 mm/s.

New Methylene Blue (NMB) stain is used to identify reticulocytes and Heinz bodies.

• cells are reticulocytes

• the granules are fragments of DNA

• typical of regenerative anemia

1.C, 2.D, 3.B, 4.A, 5.E (Basophil)

.

Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) is a disorder of primary hemostasis. Secondary hemostasis refers to…

the clotting factor cascade

Prothrombin Time (PT) is used to evaluate the…

extrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade (secondary hemostasis), not primary hemostasis.

APTT evaluates the…

intrinsic and common pathways. The PT test is the one that evaluates the extrinsic pathway.

Increase in creatinine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase are indicatives of…

muscle damage.

• Creatinine Kinase (CK) is highly specific for muscle damage, and AST is also released during muscle cell injury

regarding liver profile analysis, AST and ALT are enzymes checking for….

hepatocellular integrity

• ALT and AST are "leakage enzymes" that escape into the bloodstream when liver cells (hepatocytes) are damaged or their membranes are compromised..

liver profile. total Billirubin measurements can be divided into pre hepatic bilirubin or non-conjugated and post hepatic bilirubin or conjugated

describes the two main fractions of bilirubin measured to help determine if jaundice is caused by red blood cell breakdown (pre-hepatic) or bile duct issues (post-hepatic)

What urinary crystal is this?

Struvite

Picture B is a normal finding in horses.

Picture A (Rouleaux Formation): This image shows red blood cells stacked like coins. While this can occur in dogs due to increased plasma proteins (inflammation), it is not the "normal" state for a healthy dog.

Picture B (Agglutination): This image shows irregular clumping of red blood cells, which is a hallmark of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs. Interestingly, while this specific pattern in the image is used to contrast with Rouleaux, the exam identifies the statement that this type of distribution (Rouleaux, often confused with clumping) is a normal finding in horses as the correct factual statement among the choices.

Atrial depolarisation is represented by the…

p-wave

QRS complex represents

ventricular depolarisation

Heart electric axis represents

Its major direction of the overall electrical activity

mucosal bleeding time evaluates…

platelet function

hemoglobinuria and hematuria are commonly found in patients suffering from…

DIC

Neoplasia trauma and sepsis can induce…

disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (DIC)

In electrocardiopathy, the patient should be placed in…

right lateral recumbency

The usual speed for recording ECG is 50mm/s in…

dogs and cats

Bipolar leads reflect the difference between…

two limbs

Spontaneous skin hematomas are a collection of blood found in the skin of patients with what kind of deficiencies?

Clotting factor deficiencies

petechia are typically found in patients with what kind of disorders?

primary hemostasis disorders

The last stage in the coagulation process is…

fibrinolysis

A dog with rat poison intoxication will have decreased prothrombin time (PT) and

decreased activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)

Platelet number and function are related with…

Primary hemostasis