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ACZM Zoological Medicine study materials
ACZM Zoological Medicine study resources

ACZM Zoological Medicine practice questions

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Question 1Zoo medicine

Which blood collection site is most appropriate for obtaining a diagnostic blood sample from a small psittacine bird such as a budgerigar?

  1. Right jugular vein Correct answer.
  2. Tarsometatarsal vein
  3. Toenail clip
  4. Dorsal tail vein

Explanation

The right jugular vein is the preferred site in small psittacines because it is relatively large, accessible, and can be held off safely with minimal risk of hematoma. Toenail clips yield small volumes and risk contamination and trauma.

Question 2Zoo medicine

A rabbit presents with a hunched posture, decreased fecal output, and reduced appetite. Which condition should be highest on the differential list?

  1. Splay leg
  2. Malocclusion of incisors
  3. Gastric stasis Correct answer.
  4. Pregnancy toxemia

Explanation

Rabbits are hindgut fermenters that cannot vomit, so reduced motility leads to gastric stasis with accumulation of ingesta and gas. The classic presentation is anorexia, small or absent feces, and a hunched, painful posture.

Question 3Zoo medicine

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the reptilian heart that differs from the mammalian heart?

  1. A four-chambered heart with a complete septum
  2. An incomplete ventricular septum allowing some mixing of blood Correct answer.
  3. A single ventricle with no septum
  4. Absence of any atria

Explanation

Most reptiles have a three-chambered heart with two atria and a single ventricle that is partially divided, permitting some mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Crocodilians have a four-chambered heart, but the general reptilian pattern is incomplete septation.

Question 4Zoo medicine

In which species is the scent gland located on the ventral abdomen, just cranial to the prepuce or vulva, commonly subject to impaction and abscessation?

  1. Chinchilla Correct answer.
  2. Ferret
  3. Hedgehog
  4. Guinea pig

Explanation

Chinchillas have a ventral abdominal scent gland that can become impacted, infected, or abscessed, particularly in males. This gland is a distinctive anatomic feature requiring routine monitoring in this species.

Question 5Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line antimicrobial class for treating a bacterial respiratory infection in a snake when culture results are pending?

  1. Aminoglycosides
  2. Cephalosporins
  3. Fluoroquinolones Correct answer.
  4. Tetracyclines

Explanation

Fluoroquinolones such as enrofloxacin are commonly used in reptiles because of good tissue penetration and efficacy against many gram-negative pathogens associated with respiratory disease. Aminoglycosides carry significant nephrotoxicity risk in reptiles, especially when dehydrated.

Question 6Zoo medicine

Which of the following best describes the normal dentition of rabbits?

  1. Two upper and two lower incisors with open roots Correct answer.
  2. Peg teeth and a single set of molars
  3. Carnassial teeth with closed roots
  4. No incisors with a horny beak

Explanation

Rabbits have two pairs of upper incisors (the second pair, the peg teeth, sits behind the primary incisors) and one pair of lower incisors, all with open roots that grow continuously. This continuous eruption underlies the importance of dietary wear.

Question 7Zoo medicine

Which of the following is a key husbandry requirement for maintaining a healthy aquatic chelonian in captivity?

  1. Water filtration and appropriate basking temperature gradient Correct answer.
  2. Constant darkness to reduce stress
  3. Dry substrate with low humidity
  4. Feeding exclusively on land

Explanation

Aquatic turtles require clean, filtered water and a basking area with an appropriate temperature gradient to support thermoregulation and prevent shell and skin infections. Poor water quality and lack of basking are common causes of disease in captivity.

Question 8Zoo medicine

A ferret presents with a vulvar swelling and a history of being an intact female. Which condition should be considered as a differential?

  1. Pyometra
  2. Adrenal gland disease Correct answer.
  3. Mammary neoplasia
  4. Insulinoma

Explanation

Adrenal gland disease in ferrets commonly presents with vulvar swelling in neutered or intact females due to excess sex hormone production. It is a well-recognized endocrine disorder in this species.

Question 9Zoo medicine

A client brings in a newly acquired sugar glider that is thin, has a poor coat, and is fed a diet consisting mainly of fruit. Which dietary correction is most appropriate?

  1. Provide a balanced diet with adequate protein and calcium Correct answer.
  2. Increase fruit content to improve hydration
  3. Feed only nectar
  4. Restrict all protein sources

Explanation

Sugar gliders require a balanced diet with appropriate protein and calcium; fruit-heavy diets are deficient in protein and calcium and lead to poor condition and metabolic bone disease. Correcting the diet to a balanced formulation is central to management.

Question 10Zoo medicine

A bearded dragon is presented with tremors, weakness, and a soft jaw. Radiographs show decreased bone opacity. Which condition is most likely?

  1. Septicemia
  2. Metabolic bone disease Correct answer.
  3. Gout
  4. Impaction

Explanation

Metabolic bone disease results from inadequate calcium, vitamin D3, or UVB exposure and presents with weakness, tremors, soft jaw, and reduced bone density on radiographs. Correcting husbandry and calcium intake is essential.

Question 11Zoo medicine

A rabbit is anesthetized and the anesthetist notes the animal is prone to stress and sudden cardiac arrest. Which premedication consideration is most important?

  1. Use of ketamine as a sole agent
  2. Use of a high-dose alpha-2 agonist alone
  3. Withholding all premedication
  4. Careful use of premedication to reduce stress and provide analgesia Correct answer.

Explanation

Rabbits are prone to stress-related complications, and appropriate premedication reduces stress and provides analgesia while allowing smoother induction and maintenance. Balanced protocols are preferred over sole-agent or excessive single-drug approaches.

Question 12Zoo medicine

A macaw presents with lethargy and weight loss, and the owner reports feeding a diet of only seeds. Which nutritional deficiency is most likely?

  1. Vitamin C deficiency
  2. Vitamin A deficiency Correct answer.
  3. Iron deficiency
  4. Selenium excess

Explanation

Seed-only diets in psittacines are deficient in vitamin A and lead to hypovitaminosis A, which causes squamous metaplasia of respiratory and glandular epithelium, lethargy, and weight loss. Converting to a balanced diet is essential.

Question 13Zoo medicine

A hedgehog is presented with obesity and a history of being fed a high-fat diet. Which management step is most appropriate?

  1. Reduce caloric intake and increase exercise opportunities Correct answer.
  2. Feed only insects
  3. Increase dietary fat to improve palatability
  4. Restrict water intake

Explanation

Obesity in hedgehogs is managed by reducing caloric intake and encouraging activity, often with a balanced lower-fat diet. High-fat diets and excessive insect feeding contribute to obesity and related disease.

Question 14Zoo medicine

A client reports that their snake has not shed completely, with retained spectacles and patches of unshed skin. Which husbandry factor is most likely contributing?

  1. Low humidity Correct answer.
  2. Overfeeding
  3. Excessive humidity
  4. Inadequate cage size

Explanation

Incomplete shedding (dysecdysis) in snakes is most often caused by low humidity during the shed cycle. Increasing humidity and providing a humid hide support normal ecdysis.

Question 15Zoo medicine

A rabbit presents with a head tilt and nystagmus. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause?

  1. Otitis media/interna Correct answer.
  2. Gastric stasis
  3. Urolithiasis
  4. Malocclusion

Explanation

Head tilt and nystagmus in rabbits are most commonly associated with otitis media/interna or vestibular disease, often due to Pasteurella or other bacterial infections. Neurologic examination and imaging help confirm the diagnosis.

Question 16Zoo medicine

A guinea pig is presented with a history of poor diet lacking vitamin C. Which condition is most likely?

  1. Rickets
  2. Hypervitaminosis A
  3. Scurvy Correct answer.
  4. Diabetes mellitus

Explanation

Guinea pigs, like humans, cannot synthesize vitamin C and require it in the diet; deficiency causes scurvy with weakness, poor wound healing, and joint or gum lesions. Supplementation and dietary correction are required.

Question 17Zoo medicine

A ferret is presented with episodic weakness and hypoglycemia. Which tumor is most likely?

  1. Insulinoma Correct answer.
  2. Mast cell tumor
  3. Lymphoma
  4. Adrenal adenoma

Explanation

Insulinoma is a common pancreatic tumor in ferrets and causes hypoglycemia with episodic weakness, lethargy, and neurologic signs. Diagnosis involves documenting hypoglycemia with inappropriately elevated insulin.

Question 18Zoo medicine

Which of the following best describes the appropriate approach to venipuncture in a lizard such as a bearded dragon?

  1. Ventral tail vein Correct answer.
  2. Cardiac puncture as a routine method
  3. Jugular vein only
  4. Toe clip

Explanation

The ventral tail vein (and in some species the jugular or abdominal vein) is a common and relatively safe site for blood collection in lizards. Cardiac puncture is not appropriate as a routine method because of risk and welfare concerns.

Question 19Zoo medicine

A bird is presented with a swollen abdomen and difficulty breathing. Which diagnostic step is most appropriate to differentiate egg binding from other causes?

  1. Empiric antibiotic therapy
  2. Immediate surgery without imaging
  3. Feather clipping
  4. Radiography or ultrasonography Correct answer.

Explanation

Imaging with radiography or ultrasonography helps identify an egg, mass, or effusion and guides management of egg binding versus other causes of abdominal swelling. Empiric treatment without diagnosis risks mismanagement.

Question 20Zoo medicine

A rabbit presents with severe dental disease and is scheduled for extraction. Which consideration is most important regarding rabbit dentition?

  1. Teeth are replaced annually
  2. Incisors are vestigial
  3. Molars do not erupt
  4. Teeth have open roots and grow continuously Correct answer.

Explanation

Rabbit teeth have open roots and grow continuously, so dental disease and extractions require careful planning because of continuous eruption and the risk of malocclusion. This contrasts with species with a single set of permanent teeth.

Question 21Zoo medicine

A chelonian is presented with shell rot and pitting lesions. Which husbandry factor is most likely contributing?

  1. Poor water quality and inadequate basking Correct answer.
  2. Overfeeding of vegetables
  3. Excessive UVB exposure
  4. High environmental temperature

Explanation

Shell rot in aquatic chelonians is commonly associated with poor water quality, trauma, and inadequate basking that allows bacterial and fungal proliferation. Improving water hygiene and basking supports healing.

Question 22Zoo medicine

A sugar glider is presented with hind limb paresis and a history of a diet low in calcium. Which condition is most likely?

  1. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism Correct answer.
  2. Rabies
  3. Lead poisoning
  4. Hypothyroidism

Explanation

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism results from calcium deficiency or imbalance and causes bone resorption, paresis, and fractures in sugar gliders and other exotic species. Dietary correction and calcium supplementation are key.

Question 23Zoo medicine

A group of captive penguins is being managed in a zoo. Which environmental parameter is most critical to prevent feather and skin disease?

  1. Dry substrate
  2. Constant darkness
  3. Water quality and temperature control Correct answer.
  4. Low humidity

Explanation

Penguins require clean, well-filtered water at appropriate temperatures to maintain feather condition and prevent dermatitis and pododermatitis. Poor water quality is a major risk factor for integumentary disease in captive penguins.

Question 24Zoo medicine

A zoo is planning a preventive medicine program for a mixed collection of reptiles. Which practice is most appropriate for reducing infectious disease transmission?

  1. Avoiding record keeping
  2. Quarantine of new arrivals with health screening Correct answer.
  3. Immediate introduction of new animals to the collection
  4. Sharing water sources among all enclosures

Explanation

Quarantine and health screening of new arrivals reduce the risk of introducing infectious agents into a collection. This is a cornerstone of preventive medicine in zoological settings.

Question 25Zoo medicine

A rabbit with gastrointestinal stasis is being managed. Which combination of therapies is most appropriate initially?

  1. Withholding all fluids and food
  2. Immediate surgery
  3. High-dose corticosteroids alone
  4. Fluid therapy, analgesia, and prokinetic support Correct answer.

Explanation

Initial management of rabbit gastrointestinal stasis includes fluid therapy, analgesia, and prokinetic support, along with correcting underlying causes and encouraging eating. This multimodal approach addresses dehydration, pain, and reduced motility.

Question 26Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line diagnostic test for a suspected hepatic lipidosis in a overweight psittacine bird?

  1. Crop cytology
  2. Fecal flotation
  3. Plasma biochemistry including bile acids and cholesterol Correct answer.
  4. Whole-body radiography

Explanation

Hepatic lipidosis is common in overweight psittacines and is best supported by elevated liver enzymes, bile acids, and cholesterol on plasma biochemistry. Radiography may show hepatomegaly but is not specific, and crop cytology or fecal flotation do not assess liver function.

Question 27Zoo medicine

In a zoo setting, which of the following is the most important reason to perform necropsy on all deceased animals?

  1. To satisfy public relations requirements
  2. To identify infectious diseases that may threaten the collection Correct answer.
  3. To determine the monetary value of the animal
  4. To provide training for keeper staff

Explanation

Necropsy is a cornerstone of zoo preventive medicine because it can reveal infectious or toxic causes of death that may affect other animals in the collection. While education and records have value, the primary justification is herd health surveillance.

Question 28Zoo medicine

A zoo's reptile house has a history of multiple snakes developing bacterial dermatitis. Which of the following environmental adjustments is most likely to reduce the incidence?

  1. Increasing cage furniture density
  2. Decreasing humidity and raising temperature
  3. Reducing the frequency of water changes
  4. Increasing humidity and improving ventilation Correct answer.

Explanation

Bacterial dermatitis in snakes is often associated with poor husbandry, especially excessive humidity combined with inadequate ventilation. Improving ventilation while maintaining species-appropriate humidity reduces skin maceration and bacterial overgrowth.

Question 29Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for administering fluids to a dehydrated snake?

  1. Intramuscular administration in the tail
  2. Subcutaneous administration in the ventral scales
  3. Oral administration via stomach tube
  4. Intracoelomic administration Correct answer.

Explanation

The intracoelomic route is commonly used in snakes for fluid therapy because it allows absorption over a large surface area and is technically feasible. Subcutaneous administration is limited by the snake's skin, and intramuscular volumes are small.

Question 30Zoo medicine

A camelid in a zoo presents with weakness and recumbency. Which of the following is the most likely metabolic cause?

  1. Hypoglycemia
  2. Hypernatremia
  3. Hyperkalemia
  4. Hypocalcemia Correct answer.

Explanation

Hypocalcemia is a recognized cause of weakness and recumbency in camelids, often associated with late pregnancy or lactation. Hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia are less common primary causes of recumbency in this species.

Question 31Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate anesthetic induction agent for a healthy, fractious macaw that requires a short procedure?

  1. Propofol intravenously
  2. Ketamine intramuscularly
  3. Isoflurane via face mask Correct answer.
  4. Telazol intramuscularly

Explanation

Mask induction with isoflurane is commonly used in birds because it provides rapid induction and recovery and allows control of anesthetic depth. Intramuscular agents like ketamine can be used but are less controllable, and intravenous access is challenging in fractious birds.

Question 32Zoo medicine

A zoo's amphibian collection is experiencing deaths due to chytridiomycosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate control measure?

  1. Increasing the temperature of all enclosures
  2. Reducing humidity in the enclosures
  3. Adding antibiotics to the water
  4. Strict quarantine and disinfection of equipment between enclosures Correct answer.

Explanation

Chytridiomycosis is caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a waterborne fungus. Quarantine and disinfection are critical to prevent spread between individuals and enclosures. Antibiotics are ineffective against fungi, and environmental changes may not eliminate the pathogen.

Question 33Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of pain in a prey species such as a rabbit?

  1. Vocalization
  2. Increased grooming
  3. Reduced appetite and decreased activity Correct answer.
  4. Aggression toward handlers

Explanation

Prey species like rabbits often show subtle signs of pain, such as reduced appetite and decreased activity, rather than overt vocalization or aggression. Recognizing these subtle changes is essential for pain management.

Question 34Zoo medicine

A zoo is designing a nutrition plan for a group of captive giraffes. Which of the following dietary components is most important to prevent rumen acidosis?

  1. Fruits and vegetables
  2. Pelleted feed with high protein
  3. Adequate high-fiber forage Correct answer.
  4. High-starch grains

Explanation

Giraffes are browsing ruminants that require high-fiber forage to maintain rumen health. Diets high in starch or fruit can lead to rumen acidosis and should be limited.

Question 35Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate sample for diagnosing chlamydiosis in a psittacine bird?

  1. Crop wash
  2. Blood culture
  3. Feather pulp
  4. Combined conjunctival and choanal swabs Correct answer.

Explanation

Chlamydia psittaci is best detected using combined conjunctival and choanal swabs for PCR or antigen testing. Blood culture is not routine, and feather pulp or crop wash are less sensitive.

Question 36Zoo medicine

A zoo's fish collection is experiencing mortality due to a suspected bacterial infection. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic step?

  1. Water quality testing only
  2. Necropsy and bacterial culture of affected tissues Correct answer.
  3. Addition of antibiotics to the water
  4. Increasing the water temperature

Explanation

Necropsy with bacterial culture and sensitivity is essential to identify the pathogen and guide treatment. Water quality testing is important but does not identify the infectious agent.

Question 37Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate contraceptive method for a female lion in a zoo?

  1. Oral contraceptive pills
  2. Progestin implants
  3. Surgical ovariohysterectomy
  4. GnRH agonist implants Correct answer.

Explanation

GnRH agonists are commonly used in zoo felids for reversible contraception. They are safe and effective, whereas surgical sterilization is permanent and may affect social dynamics.

Question 38Zoo medicine

A zoo's penguin colony is diagnosed with avian malaria. Which of the following is the most appropriate preventive measure?

  1. Vaccination against Plasmodium
  2. Crowding penguins to reduce mosquito access
  3. Increasing enclosure humidity
  4. Prophylactic antimalarial medication and mosquito control Correct answer.

Explanation

Avian malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes, so mosquito control and prophylactic antimalarial drugs are key preventive measures. There is no commercially available vaccine for avian malaria.

Question 39Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for sexing a monomorphic bird species?

  1. Radiography of the pelvis
  2. Feather color assessment
  3. DNA analysis from a blood sample Correct answer.
  4. Visual examination of the vent

Explanation

DNA sexing from a blood sample is a reliable method for monomorphic birds. Visual examination and feather color are unreliable, and pelvic radiography is not accurate for sex determination in birds.

Question 40Zoo medicine

A zoo's tortoise is presented with pyramidal shell growth. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

  1. Overhydration
  2. Low environmental temperature
  3. Excess dietary protein and inadequate UVB lighting Correct answer.
  4. Excess dietary calcium

Explanation

Pyramidal shell growth in tortoises is associated with high-protein diets and inadequate UVB exposure, leading to abnormal keratin and bone development. Calcium excess is rare and not a typical cause.

Question 41Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for a rabbit with gastric stasis and dehydration?

  1. Fluid therapy, analgesia, and prokinetics Correct answer.
  2. Surgical exploration
  3. Withholding food and water
  4. Antibiotics alone

Explanation

Gastric stasis in rabbits is managed with fluid therapy, analgesia, and prokinetic drugs to restore gastrointestinal motility. Withholding food worsens stasis, and surgery is reserved for obstructions.

Question 42Zoo medicine

A zoo's reptile collection is being screened for Salmonella. Which of the following is the most appropriate sample?

  1. Cloacal swab Correct answer.
  2. Skin swab
  3. Blood sample
  4. Oral swab

Explanation

Salmonella is commonly carried in the gastrointestinal tract of reptiles, so cloacal swabs are the appropriate sample for screening. Blood culture is not routine, and skin or oral swabs are less sensitive.

Question 43Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most important consideration when anesthetizing a fish for a surgical procedure?

  1. Using a gas anesthetic
  2. Keeping the fish out of water
  3. Maintaining water quality and oxygen levels Correct answer.
  4. Withholding food for 24 hours

Explanation

Fish anesthesia requires maintaining water quality, oxygen, and temperature to support respiration. Gas anesthetics are not used, and keeping the fish out of water is harmful.

Question 44Zoo medicine

A zoo's primate is diagnosed with tuberculosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?

  1. Isolate the animal and perform contact tracing Correct answer.
  2. Treat with antibiotics without isolation
  3. Euthanize all primates immediately
  4. Continue normal housing

Explanation

Tuberculosis in primates is a zoonotic risk requiring isolation of the affected animal and contact tracing to prevent spread. Immediate euthanasia of all primates is not warranted without further testing.

Question 45Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for assessing the body condition of a snake?

  1. Weighing the snake weekly
  2. Measurement of snout-to-vent length
  3. Radiography
  4. Palpation of the epaxial muscles and spine Correct answer.

Explanation

Body condition in snakes is assessed by palpating the epaxial muscles and spine; a well-conditioned snake has a rounded body with a palpable but not prominent spine. Length and weight are useful but less direct.

Question 46Zoo medicine

A zoo's amphibian is diagnosed with metabolic bone disease. Which of the following is the most likely contributing factor?

  1. Inadequate dietary calcium and lack of UVB Correct answer.
  2. Low temperature
  3. High humidity
  4. Excess dietary vitamin D

Explanation

Metabolic bone disease in amphibians is commonly caused by inadequate calcium intake and insufficient UVB exposure, which is needed for vitamin D synthesis. High humidity and low temperature are not primary causes.

Question 47Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for administering oral medication to a snake?

  1. Force-feeding a pill
  2. Mixing with water
  3. Stomach tube Correct answer.
  4. Injecting into prey

Explanation

Stomach tubing is the safest and most reliable method for oral medication in snakes. Force-feeding pills risks injury, and mixing with water may not ensure accurate dosing.

Question 48Zoo medicine

A zoo's avian collection is experiencing an outbreak of avian influenza. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial response?

  1. Quarantine and notify authorities Correct answer.
  2. Treat with antibiotics
  3. Vaccinate all birds
  4. Increase ventilation

Explanation

Avian influenza is a reportable disease, and the initial response should include quarantine and notification of authorities. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, and vaccination may not be available or appropriate.

Question 49Zoo medicine

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for collecting blood from a lizard?

  1. Ventral tail vein Correct answer.
  2. Femoral vein
  3. Jugular vein
  4. Cardiac puncture

Explanation

The ventral tail vein is a common site for blood collection in lizards. The jugular vein is small and difficult to access, and cardiac puncture is not recommended for survival.

Question 50Zoo medicine

A zoo's elephant is diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Which of the following is the most appropriate long-term management strategy?

  1. Confinement to a small enclosure
  2. High-protein diet
  3. Weight management and controlled exercise Correct answer.
  4. Daily corticosteroid administration

Explanation

Osteoarthritis in elephants is managed with weight control, controlled exercise, and analgesia. Confinement worsens joint health, and long-term corticosteroids have significant side effects.