MEMBERSHIP EXAMINATION JUNE/JULY 2001
MEDICINE OF CATS
PAPER 1
Perusal Time : 15 minutes
Time Allowed : TWO (2) Hours after perusal
ANSWER FOUR (4) Questions Only
ALL Questions are of equal value
Subsections of Questions are of equal value unless stated otherwise
1.
2.
(I)
(a)
Outline the mechanisms of calcium homeostasis. (A diagrammatic answer is
acceptable)
(b)
What are the main causes, symptoms and principles of treatment of
hypocalcaemia and hypercalcaemia?
Write notes on EITHER
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Define what constitutes “jaundice”.
Briefly outline the metabolism of bilirubin
How is jaundice classified on a pathophysiological basis?
How might they be differentiated clinically and on basic pathology tests? In
your answer distinguish which tests will give the most useful information.
OR
(II)
The kidney has an important role in several physiologic functions. Write short notes on
the renal contribution to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
red blood cell production
maintenance of serum levels of Potassium
maintenance of blood volume / blood pressure especially the role in the
renin -angiotensin system
Urea excretion
3. Write short notes on THREE (3) of the following:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Neonatal isoerythrolysis
Bacterial endocarditis
Idiopathic FLUTD/Idiopathic cystitis
Toxic side-effects and contraindications for griseofulvin
Osteochondrodysplasia in the Scottish Fold cat
Feline spongiform encephalopathy
Continued over/Medicine of Cats 2001/Paper 1
Continued/Medicine of Cats 2001/Paper 1
THIS QUESTION MUST BE ANSWERED IN THE ATTACHED BOOK
4.
Answer ALL of the following Thirty (30) TRUE/FALSE questions. Please CIRCLE
your preferred answer. There is NO negative marking. Allow one minute per question.
Q1.
T/F
Q2.
T/F
Q3.
Q4.
T/F
T/F
Q5.
T/F
Q6.
T/F
Q7.
Q8.
T/F
T/F
Q9.
T/F
Q10.
Q11.
Q12.
T/F
T/F
T/F
Q13.
T/F
Q14.
T/F
Q15.
T/F
Q16.
T/F
Q17.
T/F
Q18.
T/F
Q19.
T/F
Q20.
Q21.
T/F
T/F
Spirometra erinacea (zipper worm) can cause chronic vomiting in cats. The
presence of the pleocercoid stage in an intermediate host is called Sparganosis,
and is the method of transmission of the parasite to the definitive host, the cat.
Use of topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg the recently developed
Dorzolamide) is contraindicated in the treatment of glaucoma
Neonatal renal glucose resorption does not normalise till 10 weeks of age
The myocardium utilises long chain fatty acids as an energy substrate rather than
carbohydrates, and can use both
Blood glucose levels are lowered by release of insulin, and counter regulated by
the hormones adrenalin, glucagon, growth hormone and cortisol
Closure of the ductus arteriosus at birth is assisted by the release of
prostaglandins subsequent to physical expansion of the lungs at birth
Adrenalin has only Beta-adrenergic activity
Used immediately after birth, excessive oxygen supplementation can cause
permanent vision loss
Pulmonary surfactant is produced by alveolar Type II epithelial cells to assist
with ciliary clearance of foreign material from the bronchi
Selegiline is a Serotonin Uptake Inhibitor used in treating cognitive dysfunction
Pain sensation is not present in neonates till 10 days of age
Polycystic Kidney Disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in
longhaired cats
A high dose of Dexamethasone suppresses cortisol concentration in cats with
Pituitary Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
Paracetamol / Acetaminophen is primarily toxic to the feline kidney and toxicity
is not dose dependent
Perirenal pseudocysts are always associated with underlying renal pathology and
in cats are usually intracapsular fluid accumulations
Spinal cord disease is usually identified by clinical presentations such as gait
abnormalities. MRI can now identify fluid filled spaces in the cord.
Syringomyelia refers to abnormal cavities filled with liquid in the substance of
the liver
The feline renal threshold for glucose (approx. 280 mg / dl; 15.5 mmol/L), is
higher than that for the dog (approx. 180 mg / dl; 10 mmol/L)
Feline insulin most closely resembles pork insulin in structure, varying by only
one amino acid
Bodyweight maintenance requirements for cats are 60-70 kcal / kg / day
Glycosylated serum proteins are fructosamines and are useful for monitoring
hepatic disease
Multiple Choice questions continued over/Medicine of Cats 2001/Paper 1
Continued /Medicine of Cats 2001/Paper 1
Q22.
T/F
Q23.
T/F
Q24.
T/F
Q25.
Q26.
T/F
T/F
Q27.
Q28.
Q29.
Q30.
T/F
T/F
T/F
T/F
5.
Discuss the following physiological states and responses in the healthy adult cat. Make a
brief note on how the response might vary in neonates and geriatrics.
a)
b)
6.
Amphotericin B is used in the treatment of fungal disease and its mode of action
is to bind irreversibly to sterols in the cell membranes of fungi
Exposure of the subendothelium of blood vessels is an important stimulator of
the coagulation cascade. Exposure triggers the activation of Von Willebrand’s
Factor which links platelets to the site of vessel injury
Gastric acid production relies on the ATPase enzyme pumping Hydrogen ions
(H+) across the parietal cell membrane in exchange for Chloride ions (Cl-)
Meningiomas are the most common brain tumours found in cats
Brainstem tumours are clinically associated with Cranial Nerve III to XII
dysfunction
An elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is always due to renal failure
A Urine Specific Gravity of 1.004 indicates nonfunctional kidneys
Macrophages constitute part of the nonspecific immune defence system
Type III hypersensitivity reactions are caused by IgE stimulation of mast cells
Hypovolaemia
Hypoglycaemia
Provide pathophysiological definitions for and examples of:
a)
b)
c)
Type I, Type II and Type III diabetes mellitus
Type II and Type IV hypersensitivity
Primary and Secondary Uterine Inertia
END OF PAPER
MEMBERSHIP EXAMINATION JUNE/JULY 2001
MEDICINE OF CATS
PAPER 2
Perusal Time : 15 minutes
Time Allowed : TWO (2) Hours after perusal
ANSWER FOUR (4) Questions Only
ALL Questions are of equal value
Subsections of Questions are of equal value unless stated otherwise
1.
ANSWER EITHER
Describe hyperadrenocorticism in the cat. In your answer address
a) pathogenesis
b) clinical presentation
c) diagnosis
d) treatment options and prognosis
OR
Tam is a 16 year old desexed male Burmese who lives with his sibling Tim in an
indoor/outdoor situation. Both have enjoyed excellent health all their lives. Recently Tam
lost weight (now 4kg from 5kg)) and was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. He is on
twice daily injections of beef derived monotard insulin. Despite several increases in dose
Tam has failed to become normoglycaemic or to demonstrate any in-clinic response to
exogenous insulin despite remaining relatively well. He is now prescribed 6iu bid insulin.
( Tam weighs 4kg)
List the possible reasons for this and outline your diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
2.
Write brief notes on clinical significance of THREE (3) of the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia psittaci
The effect on renal function of treatment for hyperthyroidism
Thiamine deficiency
Heinz bodies
Aleurostrongylus abstrusus
Continued over/Medicine of Cats/Paper 2
Continued/Medicine of Cats/Paper 2
3.
You are presented with a cat that has been treated previously for a cat bite abscess in the
groin. Despite surgery to drain the site and 2 courses of broad spectrum antibiotics the
area is still draining, is indurated and painful.
a.
b.
c.
What is your approach to this case?
What is your differential diagnosis?
How can you best obtain a diagnosis?
You confirm that this is a mycobacterial infection, how will you treat this case?
Briefly discuss the pathogenesis of these infections.
4.
5.
A twelve-year-old castrated DSH male cat is presented with a hind limb gait abnormality.
There is no previous history available.
a)
Identify (with brief notes only) the possible sites of pathology in various body
systems including nervous system, the cardiovascular system and the
musculoskeletal system.
b)
The cat has good femoral pulses and cardiac and CNS neurological examination
is unremarkable. Doppler Blood Pressure measurement is also unremarkable.
Identify the blood tests which would be most useful in the differential diagnosis
of hind limb gait abnormalities.
c)
Discuss the significance of the finding of low serum potassium in this case.
A five year old indoor/outdoor castrated male Siamese is presented extremely depressed.
Previous examination of the cat one month before at vaccination had demonstrated no
obvious physical abnormalities other than slight gingivitis and tartar. At that time his
bodyweight was 4.2 kg. On initial assessment you suspect that he is in acute renal
failure. His bladder is intact and his urethra is patent (i.e. not blocked). His bodyweight
is now 4.0 kg.
a)
Outline a rapid assessment and evaluation system using physical examination
and basic in house equipment to evaluate the patient.
b)
Assuming evaluation indicates a 10% dehydration, outline an intensive diuresis
therapy intended to stabilise the patient over the following three days. Include
concise descriptions of the following:
i.
ii.
iii.
Fluid replacement therapy - types of fluid, rates of infusion and expected
responses.
Clinical pathology - initial and progressive changes that are likely during
fluid therapy
Indications of therapeutic success and ongoing monitoring requirements.
Continued over/Medicine of Cats 2001/Paper 2
Continued/Medicine of Cats 2001/Paper 2
6.
In response to client demand, your clinic has decided to open a ‘cat only’ boarding
facility.
a.
Briefly discuss the hygiene measures required to limit the spread of the following
organisms:
i) Feline Herpes virus
ii) Feline Panleukopenia virus
iii) Microsporum canis
iv) Feline Coronavirus
b)
Mention available vaccines and their relative importance in a boarding
establishment. Also discuss their limitations. Assume the American Association
of Feline Practitioner’s recommendations ARE NOT in use in this facility.
END OF PAPER