KEAM Veterinary: Animal Science and Clinical Calculation
What this domain tests
Veterinary science in KEAM uses Physics, Chemistry and Biology and tests animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, reproduction, pathology, pharmacology and zoonoses. The emphasis is on applying biological principles to species-specific health and production problems.
Core rules and concepts
- Physiology: normal temperature, pulse and respiration differ by species; rumen fermentation dominates ruminant digestion.
- Reproduction: estrous cycle, ovulation, gestation length and colostrum intake are species-specific.
- Nutrition: energy, protein, mineral and vitamin requirements; feed conversion ratio measures efficiency.
- Pharmacology: dose = body weight × dose rate; concentration converts mass to volume; withdrawal periods protect food safety.
- Zoonoses: rabies, brucellosis, anthrax and avian influenza require notification and biosecurity.
Worked example
A 20 kg dog needs 5 mg/kg of a drug. Total dose = 20 × 5 = 100 mg. The available solution is 2% w/v, which means 2 g per 100 mL = 20 mg/mL. Volume required = 100 mg ÷ 20 mg/mL = 5 mL. The reasoning is to convert percentage concentration to mg/mL before dividing; 2% is not 2 mg/mL. Check that the calculated volume is practical for the route prescribed.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing mg/kg with mg/mL; misreading 2% as 2 mg/mL; applying a cattle dose to a dog without species adjustment; and ignoring withdrawal periods in food animals. In pathology, distinguish clinical signs from lesions and from the causative agent.