QUESTIONS

1. List 4 signs of oral pain.
2. A client telephones the surgery and explains that her dog has been playing with a stick earlier in the day, and is now subdued and reluctant to eat. What advice would you give?
3. The client in Q2 has examined the dog thoroughly herself and is adamant that there is no foreign body in the mouth. She does not particularly want to come down to the surgery and would rather see how the dog is the next morning. What further advice would you give?
4. How would you remove a fish-hook embedded in a patient's lip?
5. A client telephones the surgery. Her kitten has swallowed a needle and thread. The kitten is still lively and has eaten her supper, but the client is very worried about the long-term implications. What advice would you give?
6. What is haematemesis, and when might this be seen?
7. What conclusion would you draw from the observation of an animal assuming the "praying position"?
8. Define the following: gastric dilation & gastric torsion.
9. Give 3 other names by which gastric dilation syndrome may be known.
10. List 6 signs of gastric dilation.
11. What type of animal is predisposed to gastric dilation?
12. A dog is brought to the surgery clearly suffering from gastric dilation. The stomach is hugely inflated and the dog is unconscious. It is going to take the veterinary surgeon at least 10 minutes to reach the surgery. If the pressure in the stomach is not eased, the dog will die. What methods could you employ to endeavour to save the dog's life?
13. State 1 complication that could arise from each of the first aid measures in your answer to Q12.
14. Which species is particularly prone to total prolapse of the anus?
15. Describe the first aid treatment that you would carry out when presented with a hamster suffering total prolapse of the anus.
16. Which species is particularly prone to fly-strike?
17. What is another name for fly-strike?
18. Describe the first aid treatment that you would carry out when presented with a rabbit suffering from fly-strike.
19. Define the following: evisceration, rupture and hernia.
20. What is the difference between a reducible and an irreducible hernia?
21. What is the term used to describe a hernia or rupture in which the arterial supply to the escaped viscera has been cut off due to severe swelling or twisting?
22. State 2 sites commonly affected by hernias.
23. A client telephones the surgery. Her neutered male cat is constantly in the litter box but does not seem to be able to pass urine. Why would you advise an immediate consultation with the veterinary surgeon?
24. What is the difference between crystalluria and urolithiasis?
25. Define the following terms: anuria, dysuria, polyuria, haematuria and tenesmus.
26. What is the name of the disease often seen in middle-aged, unspayed bitches?
27. What is the difference between a "closed" and "open" pyometra?
28. List symptoms common to cases of both closed and open pyometra.
29. What treatment is necessary in cases of pyometra?
30. What is the name of the term used to describe increased lacrimation (tear production)?
31. What is blepharospasm?
32. A prolapsed eyeball must be replaced as soon as possible. Why is this?
33. List 3 lubricants suitable for application to a prolapsed eyeball prior to its replacement.
34. In the case of a prolapsed eyeball, what would you do whilst waiting for the veterinary surgeon to arrive?
35. What is the name of the disease that is characterised by symptoms including a marked head tilt, loss of balance and nystagmus (involuntary rapid movement of the eyeball)?
36. State 3 differences between stupor and coma?
37. A client telephones the surgery. Her West Highland terrier is having a fit. He is not a known epileptic and this is the first incident of this nature. What advice would you give?
38. Can you give 2 other names for hypocalcaemia (reduced levels of blood calcium)?
39. Why is hypocalcaemia commonly seen in lactating animals with large litters?
40. List 6 symptoms associated with hypocalcaemia.
41. What medication would you prepare for the veterinary surgeon if you were expecting the imminent arrival of a bitch suffering from hypocalcaemia?
42. What advice would you give to an owner whose puppy has been electrocuted after chewing through an electric cable?