Exotics Cardiology Quiz

1. Which of the following is FALSE regarding the avian cardiovascular system?

a. It is four chambered, providing both systemic and pulmonary circulation to the body

b. Some birds can increase their heart rate to approximately 1,000 BPM to allow for the high oxygen demand during flight

c. A sunken, blue-ish discolored periorbital region is normal for the African Gray Parrot species

d. Falling off of the perch is a common clinical sign of atherosclerosis in birds

Answer

2. All of the following are recognized diseases in ferrets, except…

a. Heartworm disease

b. Cancer

c. Acquired valvular disease

d. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy

Answer

3. Which is TRUE regarding a cardiac exam in reptiles?

a. The heart can be easily auscultated far cranially on the left side of the chest in reptiles

b. Lethargy and depression are common presenting signs that can be attributed to heart disease in reptiles

c. Open mouth breathing is normal in most reptile species

d. Arrhythmias are frequently noted during the cardiac exam in reptiles

Answer

4. Which answer incorrectly matches the animal species with their respective cardiovascular anatomy?

a. Parrot; LA is significantly larger than RA

b. Chinchilla; left coronary artery only

c. Crocodile; 4 chambered heart

d. Snake; elongated 3 chambered heart (2 atria, 1 long ventricle)

Answer

5. Which of the following statements regarding cardiology in rodents is FALSE?

a. A systolic murmur heard best at the left sternal border is suggestive of degenerative mitral valve disease in rabbits

b. Most often, chinchillas presenting with any grade murmur show signs of dyspnea and lethargy

c. Restraint of a healthy rabbit can lead to a significant reduction in heart rate and blood pressure that is reversed after the stress of handling is removed

d. Use of a Doppler probe may be indicated to enhance heart sounds in some rodents

Answer