Veterinary Pathology exam questions: topics, study tips and free sample questions

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: D. Classic type III diseases include: Glomerulonephritis Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (think moldy hay) Purpura hemorrhagica (think post- strangles) and Anterior uveitis In type III reactions antigen-antibody complexes are deposited on the endothelium, stimulating complement and a neutrophilic inflammatory response and vascular damage. Look for multisystemic vasculitis.

Answer: E. Osteochondrosis is thought to be the result of a focal disturbance in endochondral ossification. The etiology is multifactorial, including rapid growth, overnutrition, mineral imbalance, genetic influences, and cartilage trauma. Osteochondrosis is most commonly seen in young animals in the femoropatellar, tibiotarsal, fetiock, and shoulder joints. Enzootic calcinosis is caused by ingestion of plants, such as Cestrum_ diurnum, (Day-blooming jessamine) containing calcitriol-like glycosides, resulting in excessive absorption of calcium and soft tissue calcification. Dietary insufficiency of vitamin D in young, growing animals leads to rickets, which is characterized by failure of bone calcification, especially in the metaphyses of long bones. Chronic increases in parathyroid hormone due to hyperparathyroidism results in increased bone resorption and fibrous osteodystrophy, but not osteochondrosis.