ACZM Zoological Medicine case studies
ACZM Zoological Medicine · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) describes itself as a global leader in the health and welfare of zoological species through excellence in training, education, and certification of specialists in zoological medicine. Upon certification by ACZM, an ACZM Diplomate veterinarian is considered a Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine ®. Zoological medicine is a discipline that applies clinical medicine and surgery, scientific advancement, and disease ecology to advance the health, wellbeing, and conservation of animal species in zoo, aquatic, wildlife, and zoological companion settings. The credential is therefore aimed at veterinarians who practice across those four settings and who want formal specialty recognition of that breadth. Because the discipline is defined by four practice settings, candidates should expect preparation that spans zoo, aquatic, wildlife, and zoological companion species rather than a single taxon or institution type. The College's website points candidates to a dedicated certification section and a career pathway, and it lists ACZM training programs, ACZM exam prep courses, and study aids among its resources, alongside CE accreditation for organizations involved in zoological medicine. Topics on this exam: Zoo medicine, Aquatic medicine, Wildlife medicine, and Zoological companion medicine. The ACZM Zoological Medicine case studies are 1 case and about 526 words.
1Managing a Colic in a Captive Giraffe
A 12-year-old female reticulated giraffe at an AZA-accredited zoo presents with a 24-hour history of anorexia, decreased fecal output, and mild abdominal distension. She is 4.5 m tall and weighs approximately 800 kg. The animal is housed in a mixed-species exhibit with greater kudu and ostrich. Physical exam reveals tacky mucous membranes, heart rate 80 bpm, respiratory rate 20 bpm, and rumen motility of 1 contraction per 2 minutes.
526 words, about 3 minMore study resources for ACZM Zoological Medicine
- Practice questionsWhich blood collection site is most appropriate for obtaining a diagnostic blood sample from a small psittacine bird such as a budgerigar?
- FlashcardsCapture myopathy. Exertional rhabdomyolysis from intense pursuit or restraint; muscle enzymes (CK, AST) rise, and animals show weakness, myoglobinuria, or sudden death.
- Cheat sheetRuminant anesthesia: hypoxemia and ruminal tympany are the dominant risks; keep the head elevated and consider orotracheal intubation plus rumen trocharization for emergency decompression.
- Key termsOne Health. An approach recognizing that human, animal, and ecosystem health are linked, so veterinarians working with zoo, wildlife, and aquatic species consider disease transmission across these interfaces.
- Study planMap the zoo medicine domain into subtopics (taxa, preventive medicine, anesthesia, nutrition, reproduction) and rank by personal weakness.
- Common mistakesMost clinical training and mental defaults are mammalian, and the examinee pattern-matches to dog/cat medicine without switching to ectotherm or avian physiology (temperature-dependent metabolism, renal portal system, nucleated erythrocytes, open vs closed circulation in fish).
- Exam-day guideBring the exact form of ID the testing provider requires; confirm acceptable ID types and name-matching rules with the provider before test day, since a mismatched name can bar entry.