ACZM Zoological Medicine study guide
ACZM Zoological Medicine · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
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 ®. The ACZM Zoological Medicine study guide has 4 sections and about 1,372 words.
01Zoo Medicine: Herd Health, Immobilization, and Captive Population Management
Zoo medicine questions test whether you can think at the level of the collection , not just the individual animal. Candidates must understand: (1) quarantine and pre-shipment testing, (2) preventive medicine calendars (vaccination, fecal surveillance, TB testing in primates and hoofstock), (3) remote chemical immobilization pharmacology and monitoring, and (4) captive breeding genetics, including founder representation and inbreeding coefficients.
346 words, about 2 min02Aquatic Medicine: Water Quality, Osmoregulation, and Aquatic Anesthesia
Aquatic medicine questions reward candidates who understand that water is the patient's environment and its diagnostic sample . For fish, the essential parameters are dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature, salinity, and alkalinity/hardness.
357 words, about 2 min03Wildlife Medicine: Capture, Rehabilitation, and Population Health
Wildlife medicine tests the intersection of individual care and population/conservation goals . Candidates must understand capture and handling principles (minimizing stress, using appropriate nets, traps, and chemical restraint), rehabilitation and release criteria , zoonotic and reportable disease regulations, and field diagnostics.
336 words, about 2 min04Zoological Companion Medicine: Rabbits, Rodents, Reptiles, and Birds
Zoological companion medicine covers small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians kept as pets. Candidates must understand species-specific anatomy and physiology: rabbits are obligate nasal breathers and prone to gastrointestinal stasis ; guinea pigs and other rodents require vitamin C (guinea pigs cannot synthesize it); reptiles are ectotherms dependent on environmental temperature gradients for digestion and immune function; birds have a unidirectional respiratory system with air sacs and are sensitive to inhaled toxins.
333 words, about 2 min