Animal care VTP

What is a ranula?

Answer: Sublingual mucocele

Explication: A ranula is a fluctuant swelling of connective tissue consisting of collected mucin from a ruptured salivary gland duct. They are found under the tongue.

Which venipuncture site is frequently used to monitor PCV/TS in hospitalized horses?

Answer: Transverse facial vein

Explication: The transverse facial vein (specifically the transverse facial venous sinus) is frequently used to monitor PCV (Packed Cell Volume) and TS (Total Solids) in hospitalized horses.

• Jugular Sparing: It is primarily chosen to "spare" the jugular vein, which is often reserved for intravenous catheterization and the administration of large volumes of fluids or medications.

• Convenience for Serial Monitoring: Because it is easily accessible and yields sufficient blood for small diagnostic tests like PCV/TS, it is ideal for critical care situations where multiple samples are required in a single day.

• Accuracy: Studies have shown that PCV and TS values obtained from this site are comparable and clinically equivalent to those from the jugular vein in healthy horses.

Why other options are incorrect:

• Jugular vein: While this is the most common site for general venipuncture in horses, in a hospitalized setting, it is often avoided for repeated small blood draws to prevent trauma, hematomas, or phlebitis, especially if a catheter is already in place or might be needed.

• Cephalic vein: Though used as an alternative site, it is more commonly used for intravenous injections or catheterization in horses rather than frequent serial monitoring of blood parameters.

• Superficial thoracic vein: Also known as the "spur vein," it is an alternative site but is less commonly used for routine monitoring than the transverse facial sinus.

• Medial saphenous vein: This site is rarely used in adult horses due to the difficulty of access and the risk of the horse kicking; it is more common in foals or other species like cats.

You are asked to administer an intramuscular injection to a beef cow. Where should you administer it?

Answer: Neck muscles

Explication: Because this is a beef cow, the injection should be given in the neck muscles to avoid creating a scar or damaging tissues in the muscles that may be used as meat for human consumption. When injections are given in inappropriate locations, the meat could potentially be condemned.

It's spring, and you assist your veterinarian on a farm call. You see a 19-year old, overweight mare standing in lush pasture with her forelimbs extended, rocking her weight onto her rear limbs. When forced to move, she is very stiff and painful. What is her most likely diagnosis?

Answer: laminitis

Explication: Laminitis often occurs when horses are turned out onto lush pasture. It is more common in older horses with Cushing's disease. Clinical signs of laminitis include an abnormal stance with their weight shifted back, showing a preference for soft ground (feeling 'footy'), reduction in stride length, an increasing reluctance to turn accompanied by a stiff gait.

Penelope is a 20-year-old spayed female Chihuahua that is currently hospitalized for hives. She weighs 7 pounds. The doctor has ordered a 2.2mg/kg dose of Diphenhydramine intramuscularly. Diphenhydramine comes in a 50mg/mL concentration. How many milliliters of Diphenhydramine will you administer Penelope?

Answer: 0.14 mL

Explication: To start, convert the body weight into kg:

7 pounds/2.2 pounds per kg = 3.18kg

Next, let’s look at the doctor’s order and begin to calculate 2.2mg/kg:

2.2mg per kg OR 2.2mg x 3.18kg = 7mg

Now that we know we require 7mg of Diphenhydramine, let's figure out how many milliliters we need to draw up.

7mg/ Diphenhydramine concentration of 50mg/mL = 0.14mL

What is the average gestation length for a dog

Answer: Approximately 60 days

Explication: The average gestation length of dogs and cats is 63 days. Horses have a gestation length of approximately 340 days. Although the average for horses is approximately 11 months, it can vary by as much as 30 days. Cows have an average gestation length of 285 days (about 9 months).

You are starting a Metronidazole infusion for a 10kg mixed breed dog at a dose of 10mg/kg. You must administer this infusion over 30 minutes. Metronidazole comes as a 5mg/mL solution. What is the rate you will set the fluid pump to in order to achieve a 30-minute administration?