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ACVS Veterinary Surgery study materials
ACVS Veterinary Surgery study resources

ACVS Veterinary Surgery practice questions

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Question 1Small Animal Surgery

Which suture pattern is most appropriate for closing a cystotomy in a dog?

  1. Simple interrupted pattern using monofilament absorbable suture Correct answer.
  2. Continuous simple pattern using braided nonabsorbable suture
  3. Purse-string pattern using polypropylene
  4. Horizontal mattress pattern using chromic catgut

Explanation

A cystotomy incision is typically closed with a simple interrupted or continuous pattern using a monofilament absorbable suture to minimize tissue reaction and avoid persistent foreign material in the urinary bladder. Braided nonabsorbable sutures should be avoided because they can harbor bacteria and promote stone formation.

Question 2Small Animal Surgery

What is the primary indication for performing a perineal urethrostomy in a male cat?

  1. Urethral prolapse
  2. Bladder rupture
  3. Feline lower urinary tract disease with sterile cystitis
  4. Recurrent urethral obstruction despite medical management Correct answer.

Explanation

Perineal urethrostomy is indicated for male cats with recurrent urethral obstruction or severe urethral strictures that cannot be managed medically or with less invasive procedures. It creates a permanent stoma to bypass the narrow penile urethra.

Question 3Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for the development of gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs?

  1. Increasing age Correct answer.
  2. Feeding a single daily meal
  3. Small breed size
  4. Female sex

Explanation

Increasing age is a well-documented risk factor for gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs, along with large breed size, deep chest conformation, and feeding a single large meal. The risk increases with age, particularly in large and giant breeds.

Question 4Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial surgical treatment for a dog with a simple, non-comminuted femoral diaphyseal fracture?

  1. Plate and screw fixation Correct answer.
  2. Amputation
  3. Intramedullary pinning alone
  4. External skeletal fixation

Explanation

Plate and screw fixation provides stable anatomic reduction and is considered the standard of care for simple diaphyseal femoral fractures in dogs. It allows early return to function and minimizes the risk of complications such as malunion.

Question 5Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is a common complication associated with surgical excision of a mast cell tumor in a dog?

  1. Local recurrence due to incomplete excision Correct answer.
  2. Hypocalcemia
  3. Hyperkalemia
  4. Peripheral edema

Explanation

Mast cell tumors often have poorly defined margins, and incomplete excision can lead to local recurrence. Wide surgical margins are recommended to reduce this risk.

Question 6Small Animal Surgery

What is the recommended suture pattern for closure of the linea alba during a routine ovariohysterectomy in a dog?

  1. Purse-string pattern using polypropylene
  2. Cruciate pattern using chromic catgut
  3. Simple continuous pattern using an absorbable suture Correct answer.
  4. Simple interrupted pattern using a nonabsorbable suture

Explanation

The linea alba is typically closed with a simple continuous pattern using an absorbable suture such as polydioxanone or polyglactin 910. This provides adequate strength and minimizes tissue reaction.

Question 7Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is a key principle of the Halstedian principles of surgery?

  1. Use of large suture material
  2. Rapid tissue handling
  3. Meticulous hemostasis Correct answer.
  4. Extensive tissue trauma

Explanation

The Halstedian principles emphasize gentle tissue handling, meticulous hemostasis, aseptic technique, and avoidance of tension. Meticulous hemostasis is fundamental to prevent hematoma and infection.

Question 8Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most common indication for surgical correction of patellar luxation in dogs?

  1. Quadriceps contracture
  2. Medial patellar luxation Correct answer.
  3. Patellar fracture
  4. Lateral patellar luxation

Explanation

Medial patellar luxation is the most common form of patellar luxation in dogs, particularly in small and toy breeds, and is a frequent indication for surgical correction. Lateral patellar luxation is less common and often seen in large breeds.

Question 9Small Animal Surgery

A 5-year-old Labrador Retriever is presented with a 3-day history of vomiting and lethargy. Abdominal radiographs show a dilated stomach with a gas-filled compartment and a displaced pylorus. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

  1. Immediate exploratory laparotomy without stabilization
  2. Gastric decompression and fluid resuscitation followed by surgery Correct answer.
  3. Administration of antiemetics and observation
  4. Gastric lavage with a large-bore tube

Explanation

The dog has gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a surgical emergency. Initial management includes gastric decompression and aggressive fluid resuscitation to stabilize the patient before surgery. Immediate surgery without stabilization increases anesthetic risk.

Question 10Small Animal Surgery

A 2-year-old male cat is presented with a 24-hour history of urethral obstruction. Serum biochemistry reveals hyperkalemia (8.5 mEq/L) and metabolic acidosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?

  1. Administration of a loop diuretic
  2. Immediate perineal urethrostomy
  3. Intravenous fluid therapy with 0.9% sodium chloride and calcium gluconate Correct answer.
  4. Oral potassium binder administration

Explanation

Severe hyperkalemia in a cat with urethral obstruction is life-threatening and requires immediate stabilization with intravenous fluids and calcium gluconate to protect the myocardium. Relief of obstruction should follow once the patient is stabilized.

Question 11Small Animal Surgery

A 4-year-old German Shepherd Dog is diagnosed with a cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Which of the following surgical techniques is designed to neutralize cranial tibial thrust without altering the tibial plateau angle?

  1. Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO)
  2. Lateral fabellar suture Correct answer.
  3. Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA)
  4. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO)

Explanation

The lateral fabellar suture is a extracapsular stabilization technique that neutralizes cranial tibial thrust by placing a suture between the lateral fabella and the tibial tuberosity, without changing the tibial plateau angle. TPLO and TTA both involve altering the biomechanics of the stifle.

Question 12Small Animal Surgery

A 6-year-old spayed female Golden Retriever is presented with a 2-week history of hematuria and stranguria. Ultrasound reveals a mass at the trigone of the bladder. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

  1. Perineal urethrostomy
  2. Radiation therapy alone
  3. Medical management with antibiotics
  4. Cystotomy and mass excision with histopathology Correct answer.

Explanation

A bladder mass at the trigone requires surgical excision for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Cystotomy allows visualization, biopsy or removal of the mass, and histopathology to determine the tumor type and margins.

Question 13Small Animal Surgery

A 3-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse is presented with a non-weight-bearing lameness and a swollen, painful hock. Radiographs reveal a fracture of the central tarsal bone. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical treatment?

  1. Conservative management with stall rest
  2. Arthrodesis of the distal intertarsal joint
  3. External coaptation with a cast
  4. Internal fixation with lag screws Correct answer.

Explanation

Fractures of the central tarsal bone in racehorses are best treated with internal fixation using lag screws to restore joint stability and allow early return to function. Conservative management often leads to osteoarthritis and poor performance.

Question 14Small Animal Surgery

A 1-year-old male Labrador Retriever is presented with a 3-day history of anorexia and vomiting. Abdominal radiographs show a dilated small intestine with a focal radiopaque foreign body. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical approach?

  1. Gastric lavage
  2. Colostomy
  3. Intestinal resection and anastomosis
  4. Enterotomy at the site of obstruction Correct answer.

Explanation

A simple intestinal foreign body without evidence of necrosis can be removed via enterotomy at the site of obstruction. Resection and anastomosis are reserved for devitalized bowel.

Question 15Small Animal Surgery

A 5-year-old cat is presented with a 2-week history of weight loss and a palpable abdominal mass. Exploratory laparotomy reveals a mass in the ileocecocolic junction. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical procedure?

  1. Gastrotomy
  2. Enterotomy and biopsy only
  3. Colostomy
  4. Ileocecocolic resection and anastomosis Correct answer.

Explanation

A mass at the ileocecocolic junction is best treated with en bloc resection and anastomosis to achieve complete excision and relieve obstruction. Biopsy alone is not curative.

Question 16Small Animal Surgery

A 2-year-old male castrated cat is presented with a 12-hour history of straining to urinate. Physical examination reveals a hard, distended bladder. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action?

  1. Cystocentesis
  2. Urethral catheterization and fluid therapy Correct answer.
  3. Perineal urethrostomy
  4. Administration of a diuretic

Explanation

The cat has urethral obstruction. Immediate relief of obstruction via urethral catheterization and fluid therapy is required. Perineal urethrostomy is considered for recurrent obstructions.

Question 17Small Animal Surgery

A 4-year-old Quarter Horse is presented with a 3-week history of a non-healing wound on the dorsal aspect of the metatarsus. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?

  1. Topical antibiotics alone
  2. Second-intention healing
  3. Application of a cast
  4. Surgical debridement and primary closure Correct answer.

Explanation

A non-healing wound often requires surgical debridement to remove necrotic tissue and promote healing. Primary closure may be possible after debridement if the wound is clean.

Question 18Small Animal Surgery

A 6-year-old male Bulldog is presented with a 2-day history of dyspnea and stridor. Examination reveals cyanosis and severe respiratory distress. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate intervention?

  1. Cricothyrotomy
  2. Thoracocentesis
  3. Administration of corticosteroids
  4. Emergency tracheostomy Correct answer.

Explanation

The dog has severe upper airway obstruction, likely due to brachycephalic syndrome. Emergency tracheostomy is indicated to secure the airway. Cricothyrotomy is a temporary alternative but tracheostomy is preferred for longer-term management.

Question 19Small Animal Surgery

A 3-year-old female dog is presented with a 1-week history of hematuria. Ultrasound reveals a small urolith in the bladder. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical treatment?

  1. Cystotomy and stone removal Correct answer.
  2. Lithotripsy
  3. Urethral catheterization
  4. Medical dissolution

Explanation

Cystotomy is the standard surgical treatment for bladder uroliths that cannot be dissolved medically or passed. It allows removal of stones and assessment of the bladder mucosa.

Question 20Small Animal Surgery

A 5-year-old cat is presented with a 2-day history of vomiting and lethargy. Abdominal ultrasound shows a linear foreign body anchored at the base of the tongue. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical approach?

  1. Endoscopic removal
  2. Gastrotomy
  3. Exploratory laparotomy and enterotomy Correct answer.
  4. Intestinal resection

Explanation

Linear foreign bodies often require exploratory laparotomy to release the anchor and remove the foreign body, often via enterotomy. Endoscopic removal is not possible once the foreign body has passed into the intestines.

Question 21Small Animal Surgery

A 2-year-old male dog is presented with a 3-day history of anorexia and vomiting. Radiographs show a gastric foreign body. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical approach?

  1. Enterotomy
  2. Gastric resection
  3. Colostomy
  4. Gastrotomy Correct answer.

Explanation

Gastrotomy is the standard procedure for removal of a gastric foreign body. It allows direct removal with minimal trauma.

Question 22Small Animal Surgery

A 7-year-old dog with a history of chronic otitis externa is presented with a mass in the vertical ear canal. Biopsy reveals ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical treatment?

  1. Lateral ear canal resection
  2. Vertical ear canal resection
  3. Medical management with antibiotics
  4. Total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy Correct answer.

Explanation

Ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma is malignant and requires aggressive surgical excision. Total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy is the standard treatment to achieve clear margins and prevent recurrence.

Question 23Small Animal Surgery

A 3-year-old dog is presented with a 2-week history of weight-bearing lameness on the left hindlimb. Radiographs show a complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture with minimal osteoarthritis. Which of the following surgical options is most appropriate for a small breed dog?

  1. Total knee replacement
  2. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy
  3. Tibial tuberosity advancement
  4. Lateral fabellar suture Correct answer.

Explanation

For small breed dogs with cruciate ligament rupture and minimal osteoarthritis, extracapsular stabilization such as lateral fabellar suture is often appropriate and less invasive than osteotomy procedures.

Question 24Small Animal Surgery

A 4-year-old cat is presented with a 1-month history of chronic vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound reveals a thickened pylorus. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical procedure?

  1. Gastrotomy
  2. Enterotomy
  3. Cholecystectomy
  4. Pyloroplasty Correct answer.

Explanation

Pyloroplasty is indicated for pyloric stenosis or hypertrophy causing chronic vomiting. It widens the pyloric outflow tract.

Question 25Small Animal Surgery

A 5-year-old dog is presented with a 2-day history of abdominal pain and vomiting. Radiographs show a loss of detail in the cranial abdomen. Exploratory laparotomy reveals a necrotic section of jejunum. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical management?

  1. Gastrotomy
  2. Colostomy
  3. Intestinal resection and anastomosis Correct answer.
  4. Enterotomy and lavage

Explanation

Necrotic bowel requires resection and anastomosis to remove devitalized tissue and restore continuity. Enterotomy alone is insufficient.

Question 26Small Animal Surgery

Which suture material characteristic best describes an absorbable monofilament suture that loses tensile strength primarily by hydrolysis and is commonly used for hollow-organ closure?

  1. Nylon
  2. Polydioxanone (PDS) Correct answer.
  3. Silk
  4. Polypropylene

Explanation

Polydioxanone is a slowly absorbable monofilament suture that degrades by hydrolysis and is frequently selected for gastrointestinal and other hollow-organ closure. Nonabsorbable sutures such as silk, polypropylene, and nylon retain strength and are not degraded by hydrolysis.

Question 27Small Animal Surgery

Which instrument is designed specifically for holding a scalpel blade and making controlled incisions during surgery?

  1. Mayo scissors
  2. Scalpel handle Correct answer.
  3. Kelly hemostat
  4. Adson forceps

Explanation

A scalpel handle is fitted with a disposable blade and is the instrument intended for controlled sharp incision. Scissors, hemostats, and thumb forceps serve different functions such as cutting tissue, occluding vessels, and grasping tissue.

Question 28Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the three-layer closure of the abdominal wall after a celiotomy?

  1. To reduce dead space and restore the layered strength of the abdominal wall Correct answer.
  2. To create a permanent hernia window for tension relief
  3. To permit rapid absorption of the linea alba
  4. To allow drainage of peritoneal fluid through the incision

Explanation

The abdominal wall is closed in layers to obliterate dead space, appose tissue planes, and restore the tensile strength of the body wall. Draining fluid through the incision or creating a hernia defect would be contrary to proper wound healing.

Question 29Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most appropriate first step in managing a dog with a penetrating abdominal wound and evisceration?

  1. Immediate replacement of organs and emergency exploratory laparotomy Correct answer.
  2. Return the organs after scrubbing them with chlorhexidine
  3. Flush the abdomen with hydrogen peroxide before transport
  4. Apply a sterile moist dressing and delay surgery for 12 hours

Explanation

Evisceration is a surgical emergency requiring stabilization, gentle replacement of organs, and prompt exploratory laparotomy to assess and repair injury. Delaying surgery or applying caustic or irritating solutions worsens tissue damage.

Question 30Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the appropriate use of a Penrose drain in a surgical wound?

  1. It is a closed-suction drain that prevents bacterial ascending infection
  2. It provides passive drainage of fluid along its exterior surface by capillary action Correct answer.
  3. It is used to deliver local anesthetic continuously to the wound
  4. It provides active suction requiring connection to a vacuum source

Explanation

A Penrose drain is an open, passive drain that relies on capillary action and gravity to move fluid along its surface. It does not generate suction and provides no barrier against ascending infection.

Question 31Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the primary advantage of performing a closed-suction drain rather than a passive drain in a contaminated surgical field?

  1. It eliminates the need for postoperative antibiotics
  2. It provides continuous irrigation of the wound
  3. It dissolves spontaneously without removal
  4. It reduces the risk of ascending bacterial contamination Correct answer.

Explanation

Closed-suction drains are isolated from the environment and reduce the risk of retrograde bacterial contamination compared with open passive drains. They do not eliminate the need for appropriate antimicrobial therapy or provide irrigation.

Question 32Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the principle of tension-free closure when repairing a skin defect?

  1. Placing sutures tightly to appose wound edges under maximum tension
  2. Leaving the wound open to heal by second intention
  3. Undermining adjacent skin to mobilize it and reduce tension on the suture line Correct answer.
  4. Applying a tight bandage to force the edges together

Explanation

Undermining releases the subcutaneous attachments and allows adjacent skin to be advanced, reducing tension on the closure. Excessive tension compromises perfusion and predisposes to dehiscence.

Question 33Small Animal Surgery

In a dog with a large skin defect on the distal limb where local tissue is insufficient, which reconstructive technique is most appropriate?

  1. A free skin graft or axial pattern flap Correct answer.
  2. A simple interrupted suture line without undermining
  3. Primary closure under excessive tension
  4. Second-intention healing with no wound management

Explanation

When local tissue cannot provide tension-free coverage, reconstructive options such as skin grafts or axial pattern flaps are indicated. Primary closure under tension risks dehiscence, and unmanaged second-intention healing may be prolonged.

Question 34Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most appropriate method to assess patency of a vascular anastomosis intraoperatively?

  1. Apply a tourniquet and measure limb circumference
  2. Observe pulsatile flow and check for a palpable thrill distal to the anastomosis Correct answer.
  3. Palpate the vein proximal to the anastomosis
  4. Inject methylene blue into the artery

Explanation

Patency of an arterial anastomosis is assessed by observing pulsatile flow, a palpable thrill, and distal pulses. Tourniquets and dye injection are not standard patency assessments.

Question 35Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the recommended approach for ligating a vessel during surgery?

  1. Use a crushing clamp left in place permanently
  2. Transect the vessel before any ligation
  3. Apply a single loosely tied suture around the vessel
  4. Place a circumferential ligature proximal to the point of transection and secure it Correct answer.

Explanation

Vessels should be securely ligated before transection to prevent hemorrhage. A loose ligature or transection before ligation risks uncontrolled bleeding.

Question 36Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most appropriate suture pattern for closing a cystotomy in a dog?

  1. Simple interrupted or continuous appositional pattern in a single or double layer Correct answer.
  2. Purse-string pattern
  3. Cruciate pattern with tension
  4. Horizontal mattress pattern with wide bites

Explanation

Cystotomy closure typically uses an appositional pattern such as simple interrupted or continuous sutures to achieve a watertight closure without excessive tension. Mattress or purse-string patterns are not standard for bladder closure.

Question 37Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most important consideration when performing a urethrostomy in a cat?

  1. Using nonabsorbable sutures for the mucosa
  2. Placing the stoma as distally as possible
  3. Preserving adequate urethral diameter and avoiding tension on the stoma Correct answer.
  4. Leaving the stoma unsutured to heal by second intention

Explanation

A successful urethrostomy requires a stoma of adequate diameter created without tension to prevent stricture. Suturing mucosa to skin with fine absorbable suture is standard practice.

Question 38Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the appropriate management of a dog with a diaphragmatic hernia and respiratory distress?

  1. Stabilize and provide oxygen, then perform surgical repair after stabilization Correct answer.
  2. Place the dog in dorsal recumbency for radiographs before any stabilization
  3. Perform immediate surgery without stabilization
  4. Delay surgery indefinitely if the dog is stable

Explanation

Diaphragmatic hernia repair in a dyspneic patient requires initial stabilization with oxygen and cardiovascular support before anesthesia and surgery. Immediate surgery without stabilization increases anesthetic risk.

Question 39Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the primary goal of performing a pericardiectomy in a dog with recurrent pericardial effusion?

  1. To perform a lung lobectomy
  2. To ligate the thoracic duct
  3. To create a window that allows continuous drainage of pericardial fluid into the pleural space Correct answer.
  4. To remove the entire pericardium to eliminate all cardiac motion

Explanation

Pericardiectomy creates a pericardial window so that fluid can drain into the pleural space and be absorbed, relieving tamponade. It is not intended to remove all pericardium or address unrelated structures.

Question 40Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management for a dog with a closed femur fracture that is hemodynamically stable?

  1. Apply a cast without analgesia
  2. Perform immediate amputation
  3. Delay all treatment until callus forms
  4. Provide analgesia, immobilize the limb, and plan definitive fracture repair Correct answer.

Explanation

Initial management of a closed fracture includes analgesia, immobilization, and planning for definitive repair such as internal fixation. Amputation is not a first-line treatment, and delaying care until callus forms is inappropriate.

Question 41Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the function of a bone plate in fracture repair?

  1. To neutralize bending and torsional forces while preserving alignment during healing Correct answer.
  2. To resorb completely within weeks
  3. To provide compression only through the plate holes
  4. To replace the need for any postoperative restriction

Explanation

A bone plate stabilizes the fracture by neutralizing bending and torsional forces and maintaining alignment during healing. Plates do not eliminate the need for postoperative activity restriction and are not resorbable.

Question 42Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most important factor in achieving successful fracture healing after internal fixation?

  1. Use of the largest possible implant
  2. Removal of all periosteum at the fracture site
  3. Stable fixation with preservation of blood supply Correct answer.
  4. Immediate return to unrestricted activity

Explanation

Stable fixation and preservation of the fracture hematoma and blood supply are critical for bone healing. Extensive periosteal stripping and lack of stability impair healing.

Question 43Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the appropriate treatment for an open fracture in a dog?

  1. Observation without stabilization
  2. Wound debridement, lavage, stabilization, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy Correct answer.
  3. Application of a cast over the contaminated wound
  4. Immediate closure of the wound without debridement

Explanation

Open fractures require debridement, lavage, stabilization, and antimicrobial therapy to reduce infection risk. Closing a contaminated wound without debridement or leaving the fracture unstabilized increases complications.

Question 44Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical approach for a dog with a medial patellar luxation that is non-responsive to conservative management?

  1. Amputation of the affected limb
  2. Trochlear groove deepening with tibial tuberosity transposition and soft tissue realignment Correct answer.
  3. Femoral head ostectomy
  4. Total hip replacement

Explanation

Surgical correction of medial patellar luxation typically involves deepening the trochlear groove, transposing the tibial tuberosity, and realigning soft tissues. Amputation, FHO, and total hip replacement address different conditions.

Question 45Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a femoral head ostectomy in a dog?

  1. To correct patellar luxation
  2. To stabilize the hip joint with a plate
  3. To replace the femoral head with a prosthesis
  4. To relieve pain by removing the source of hip joint contact and allowing a fibrous pseudoarthrosis Correct answer.

Explanation

Femoral head ostectomy removes the femoral head and neck to eliminate bone-on-bone contact, and a pseudoarthrosis forms to provide pain relief. It does not involve plating, prosthetic replacement, or patellar correction.

Question 46Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for assessing postoperative pain in a dog after orthopedic surgery?

  1. Assessment based solely on wound appearance
  2. Assessment based only on the owner's opinion
  3. Use of a validated composite pain scale with behavioral and physiologic parameters Correct answer.
  4. Assessment based only on heart rate

Explanation

Validated composite pain scales incorporate behavioral and physiologic parameters to assess pain reliably. Relying on a single parameter such as heart rate or wound appearance is insufficient.

Question 47Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the role of multimodal analgesia in the perioperative period?

  1. Using a single high-dose opioid to eliminate all pain
  2. Relying solely on local anesthetics
  3. Avoiding analgesia to monitor neurologic status
  4. Combining drugs with different mechanisms to improve pain control and reduce individual drug doses Correct answer.

Explanation

Multimodal analgesia combines agents acting at different points in the pain pathway to improve efficacy and reduce the required dose of each drug. Single-agent high-dose therapy or withholding analgesia is not consistent with this approach.

Question 48Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most appropriate suture pattern for closing a gastric incision?

  1. Simple interrupted or continuous appositional pattern in a single or double layer Correct answer.
  2. Cruciate pattern
  3. Horizontal mattress pattern with wide bites
  4. Purse-string pattern

Explanation

Gastric closure should use an appositional pattern, often in one or two layers, to achieve a leak-free closure without compromising blood supply. Purse-string, mattress, and cruciate patterns are not standard for gastric closure.

Question 49Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following best describes the appropriate management of a dog with a linear foreign body causing intestinal plication?

  1. Perform a single enterotomy at one location without exploring the rest of the bowel
  2. Delay surgery until peritonitis develops
  3. Stabilize, then perform exploratory laparotomy with careful release of the foreign body and resection of compromised bowel Correct answer.
  4. Administer laxatives and observe

Explanation

Linear foreign bodies causing plication require surgical exploration, careful release of the material, and resection of nonviable bowel. Laxatives, incomplete exploration, or delayed surgery risk perforation and peritonitis.

Question 50Small Animal Surgery

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for assessing intestinal viability after releasing a strangulating obstruction?

  1. Use only palpation of the mesentery
  2. Close the abdomen and reassess in a week
  3. Observe for 24 hours before deciding
  4. Assess color, peristalsis, and arterial pulsation, and resect nonviable segments Correct answer.

Explanation

Intestinal viability is assessed by color, peristalsis, and arterial pulsation, and nonviable segments should be resected. Delaying assessment risks necrosis and peritonitis.