BCSE past questions: are there past papers, and what should you practise with?

Answer: A. Urethral obstruction is very common in goats, especially young castrated males. Some owners may think that the goat is constipated especially when complete obstruction is present. Metabolic consequences of obstruction develop quickly, similarly to that seen in cats, with azotemia and hyperkalemia. Fluid therapy with saline is given in addition to removal of the obstruction. Amputation of the urethral process is the first step, as this is acommon site. Surgical intervention is needed when this does not work.

Answer: A. Leukemia is a malignant neoplastic disease of the WBC or RBC precursors with neoplastic cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Leukemias are further distinguished according to their behaviour (acute or chronic) and their precursor cell (lymphoid or myeloid), so you will see names like Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) or Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Lymphoma is a tumor of lymphocytes that originates mainly solid lymphoid tissues including the bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen. In addition, common extranodal sites include the skin, eye, CNS, testis, and bone. Lymphomas are further distinguished according to their location (multicentric, cutaneous, CNS, GI). In cats, FeLV infection is an important risk factor for both leukemia and lymphoma. FIV infected cats have a higher than expected incidence of FeLV-negative lymphomas.

Answer: A. Use amprolium to treat coccidiosis, most commonly in cattle, pigs, chickens. Sometimes used (off label) as a preventive and treatment in dog kennel situations. Typically asymptomatic in cats and dogs, but young, stressed animals and the immunocompromised may show clinical signs. Because amprolium mimics thiamine's structure, it competitively inhibits thiamine utilization of the parasite. Because of this, prolonged dosages can cause thiamine deficiency. Usually do not treat more than 14 days.