North American Veterinary Licensing Examination

Sample Questions

Introduction to Sample Questions

We have selected the following 60 questions to provide you with an idea of the type of questions that
appear in the NAVLE. The answer key is at the end. These sample questions were chosen to represent
the various species and content areas of the examination, but they do not address all of the NAVLE
content areas as defined in the blueprint. As noted earlier, approximately 12% of the questions on each
form of the NAVLE will include graphic or pictorial information. For printing purposes, the sample
questions that follow only use black and white images, but some of the questions on the actual NAVLE
will include color images as well.

It is also recommended that you download the computer formatted version of these sample test
questions from this web site in order to get experience with the actual NAVLE computer-based format.

1. Which of the following is the most common cause of maxillary sinusitis in the horse?

(A) Bacterial lower respiratory tract disease extending into the sinus

(B) Infection and abscessation of a tooth root extending into the sinus

(C) Inhaled foreign bodies lodging in the sinus

(D) Puncture wounds extending into the maxillary sinus

2. An African gray parrot that is presented for necropsy is suspected to have psittacosis. Which of the
following findings is most likely to confirm the diagnosis?

(A) Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly on gross examination

(B) Identification of the causative organism by Gram's stain

(C) Isolation and identification of Chlamydia psittaci

(D) Presence of acid-fast organisms in the liver

3. A 5-year-old Holstein cow is being evaluated because of inappetence. On auscultation, there is

pinging over the left ninth and 10th intercostal spaces, on a line between the tuber coxae and the
elbow. On paracentesis immediately ventral to the pinging area, there are a few drops of green fluid
with a pH of 6.0. Which of the following is the most likely source of the fluid?

(A) Abomasum

(B) Cecum
(C) Omasum

(D) Rumen

(E) Spiral colon

4. A 3-month-old puppy is being evaluated because of weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and steatorrhea.
Direct microscopic examination of saline smears of the extremely watery feces shows motile piriform
trophozoites. Which of the following is the most appropriate pharmacotherapy?

(A) Dichlorvos

(B) Ivermectin

(C) Metronidazole

(D) Praziquantel

(E) Trimethoprim-sulfonamide

5. Infection of pregnant cows with bovine viral diarrhea virus may cause which of the following
neurologic abnormalities in the newborn calf?

(A) Anencephaly

(B) Cerebellar hypoplasia

(C) Hydranencephaly

(D) Hydrocephalus

(E) Syringomyelia

6. A 9-year-old male Boston Terrier dog is found to have a 5-cm mass in the left inguinal area lateral to
the prepuce. Cytologic examination of a fine-needle aspirate shows numerous round, discrete cells with
reddish purple granules. The left inguinal lymph node is also enlarged. Similar cells are seen in the lymph
node and in a blood smear. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?

(A) Administration of cisplatin and aluminum hydroxide

(B) Administration of levamisole and aspirin

(C) Administration of prednisone and cimetidine

(D) Conventional surgical removal of the mass

(E) Cryosurgical removal of the mass

7. An acute outbreak of vomiting and diarrhea in a litter of 1-week-old piglets is characterized by a high
morbidity and a high mortality rate. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

(A) Clostridium perfringens type C infection

(B) Colibacillosis

(C) Rotavirus infection

(D) Transmissible gastroenteritis

(E) Vomiting and wasting disease

8. Which of the following abnormal cardiac rhythms is most frequently seen in dogs with gastric
dilatation-volvulus?

(A) Atrial premature complexes

(B) Junctional escape beats

(C) Second-degree atrioventricular block

(D) Sinus bradycardia

(E) Ventricular premature complexes

9. A goat has a sudden onset of clinical signs of blindness, depression, head pressing, and anorexia that
progress to recumbency with opisthotonos and nystagmus. Which of the following is the most likely
diagnosis?

(A) Bacterial meningitis

(B) Caprine arthritis-encephalitis

(C) Listeriosis

(D) Polioencephalomalacia

(E) Scrapie

10. A 3-year-old gelding is being evaluated because of mild distress and food reflux from both nostrils.
Rectal temperature is 100.2 F (37.9 C), pulse rate is 42/min, and respiratory rate is 12 breaths/min.
Gastrointestinal borborygmi are present on examination. Which of the following is the most likely
diagnosis?

(A) Cleft palate

(B) Esophageal obstruction

(C) Retropharyngeal abscess

(D) Ruptured stomach

(E) Small intestinal volvulus

11. A 2-year-old cat has a two-day history of anorexia and vomiting. Abdominal radiographs show that
the intestines appear bunched up in accordionlike pleats. Which of the following is the most likely
cause?

(A) Intestinal adenocarcinoma

(B) Intestinal lymphosarcoma

(C) Intestinal parasites

(D) Intussusception

(E) A string foreign body

12. Which of the following is the most appropriate therapy for swine dysentery?

(A) Lincomycin

(B) Penicillin

(C) Sulfathiazole

(D) Tetracycline

(E) Tilmicosin

13. A 4-year-old intact female Maltese dog has anorexia, fever, severe trembling, and stiffness of the
limbs three weeks post partum. Which of the following is the most appropriate emergency therapy?

(A) Intramuscular calcium chloride

(B) Intravenous calcium gluconate

(C) Intravenous dexamethasone

(D) Intravenous 50% glucose

(E) Oral calcium lactate

14. A foal is weak and lethargic 48 hours after birth. The foal was normal at birth and began suckling
vigorously at 1 hour of age. The dam's last two foals died at 3 and 4 days of age, respectively.
Examination show icteric mucous membranes. Laboratory studies show hemoglobinuria. Which of the
following is the most likely diagnosis?

(A) Acute hepatic necrosis

(B) Equine infectious anemia

(C) Equine viral arteritis

(D) Iron deficiency anemia

(E) Neonatal isoerythrolysis

15. A 5-year-old Quarter horse stallion collapses suddenly and lies covered with sweat in lateral
recumbency. When the horse attempts to stand, it exhibits generalized muscle fasciculations, prolapse
of the third eyelid, inspiratory stridor, and loose feces. The episode lasts for 25 minutes and then
resolves without treatment. The horse appears normal 15 minutes thereafter. Which of the following is
the most important question to ask the owner?

(A) Does the horse have a history of laminitis?

(B) Has the horse been receiving calcium supplementation?

(C) Has the barn had a recent outbreak of respiratory disease?

(D) What is the bloodline of the horse?

(E) What is the vaccination history of the horse?

16. A 10-year-old spayed female cat is being evaluated because of weight loss, polyphagia, polyuria,
polydipsia, and restlessness. Cardiac arrhythmias are noted on auscultation. Which of the following is
the most likely diagnosis?

(A) Chronic pancreatic insufficiency

(B) Chronic renal disease

(C) Congestive cardiomyopathy

(D) Diabetes mellitus

(E) Hyperthyroidism

17. A 4-month-old male Labrador Retriever has had watery diarrhea and vomiting for the past two days.
The puppy is anorectic. On abdominal palpation, there is a cylindrical mass in the midabdomen.
Radiographs show a midabdominal mass and many dilated loops of bowel. Which of the following is the
most appropriate next diagnostic test?
(A) Barium enema

(B) Laparoscopy

(C) Laparotomy

(D) Pneumocolon

(E) Upper gastrointestinal series

18. Which of the following subpopulations is at greatest risk for developing clinical toxocariasis?

(A) Children with a history of pica

(B) Dog trainers

(C) Persons whose occupations require working under houses

(D) Persons with a recent history of swimming in farm ponds

(E) Slaughterhouse workers

19. A large commercial layer flock in southern California experiences a sudden increase in mortality and
an abrupt decrease in egg production. The affected birds are cyanotic and have dyspnea and violent
diarrhea. A few of the birds have conjunctivitis or pronounced nervous signs. Postmortem examination
of sample birds shows marked tracheitis, acute airsacculitis, serosal hemorrhages, and prominent
hemorrhages along the gastrointestinal tract, primarily involving lymphoid tissue. Which of the following
is the most appropriate next step?

(A) Inform the owner that the outbreak will subside spontaneously

(B) Prepare to vaccinate other flocks in the immediate area for infectious laryngotracheitis

(C) Report the disease outbreak to the state/provincial veterinarian immediately

(D) Treat the birds with a broad-spectrum antibiotic in the drinking water

(E) Withdraw feed immediately and replace with new feed

20. Which of the following agents produces methemoglobinemia and Heinz body anemia in cats?

(A) Acetaminophen

(B) Aspirin

(C) Calcium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

(D) Ethylene glycol

(E) Lead

21. An adult female mixed-breed dog was recently found and is in poor body condition. Examination
shows a distended abdomen. A radiograph of the abdomen is shown. These findings are most consistent
with which of the following?

(A) Ascites

(B) Gastric dilation

(C) Gastrointestinal foreign body

(D) Hepatomegaly

(E) Pregnancy

22. Which of the following parasites is most likely to be a source of prenatally acquired infection in
pups?

(A) Ancylostoma caninum

(B) Strongyloides stercoralis

(C) Toxocara canis

(D) Trichuris vulpis

(E) Uncinaria stenocephala

23. In a cow at 35 days' gestation, elective abortion is most likely to succeed with administration of
which of the following?
(A) Dexamethasone

(B) Isoxsuprine hydrochloride

(C) Oxytocin

(D) Progesterone

(E) Prostaglandin F2alpha

24. A 5-month-old boar that is fast-growing and heavily muscled is being evaluated because of
progressive bilateral lameness of the front legs. None of the other animals on the farm is affected.
Which of the following is the most likely cause of this condition?

(A) Biotin deficiency

(B) Osteochondrosis

(C) Porcine stress syndrome

(D) Rickets

(E) Wobbler syndrome

25. A 10-week-old female German Shepherd dog is being evaluated because of chronic tearing of the
left eye. Examination shows an island of hair growing in the temporal portion of the left cornea,
extending from the conjunctiva. The anterior segment is clear, with no apparent abnormalities. Which of
the following is the most likely diagnosis?

(A) Dermoid

(B) Ectopic cilia

(C) Pannus

(D) Pigmentary keratitis

(E) Trichiasis

26. A 3-month-old Appaloosa foal is being evaluated because of pyrexia, cough, and nasal discharge. The
foal and its mother are housed in a dry lot with three other mares and their foals. Clinical examination of
the foal shows increased respiratory rate and increased bronchovesicular sounds. Laboratory studies
show leukocytosis with neutrophilia. Radiographs show a prominent alveolar pattern characterized by
ill-defined regional consolidation. The most likely cause of these signs is infection with which of the
following?

(A) Equine influenza virus

(B) Equine rhinopneumonitis virus

(C) Parascaris equorum

(D) Pneumocystis carinii

(E) Rhodococcus equi

27. An 8-week-old male Schnauzer dog has had episodes of vomiting or regurgitation for the past four
weeks. A radiograph of the thorax is shown. These findings are most consistent with which of the
following?

(A) Dietary indiscretion

(B) Gastric foreign body

(C) Gastrointestinal parasitism

(D) Megaesophagus

(E) Parvovirus infection

28. An otherwise healthy 9-year-old male Terrier dog with constipation is found to have a symmetrically
enlarged prostate gland. On physical examination, palpation of the prostate gland does not produce
pain; it is twice the normal size and movable within the pelvic canal. Which of the following is the most
likely diagnosis?

(A) Acute prostatitis

(B) Benign prostatic hyperplasia

(C) Prostatic abscess

(D) Prostatic adenocarcinoma

(E) Prostatic cyst

29. Which of the following is the most appropriate site on the horse shown for administration of an
intramuscular injection?

(A) A

(B) B

(C) C

(D) D

(E) E

30. A 2-year-old intact male domestic shorthaired cat is being evaluated because of lethargy. The cat has
a fever. Laboratory studies show anemia. Microscopic examination of stained blood films shows dark-
staining, round- to rod-shaped, nonrefractile bodies on the surfaces of numerous red blood cells. Which
of the following is the most appropriate therapy?

(A) Doxycycline

(B) Griseofulvin

(C) Penicillin

(D) Trimethoprim-sulfonamide

(E) Vincristine

31. A 14-year-old Poodle is being evaluated because of polyuria and polydipsia. Physical examination of
the dog shows symmetric alopecia, comedones, and a pot-bellied appearance. Hepatomegaly is also
noted on examination. Which of the following tests is most appropriate to confirm the presumptive
diagnosis?

(A) Determination of serum calcium concentration

(B) Determination of serum glucose concentration

(C) Determination of serum thyroxine (T4) concentration

(D) Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test

(E) Water deprivation test

32. A 6-month-old kitten is being evaluated because of intense scratching around the ears and frequent
shaking of the head. Examination shows bilateral, circumaural, cutaneous excoriations and thick reddish
brown crusts in the external ear canals. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic test?

(A) Bacterial culture of aural exudate

(B) Fungal culture of aural exudate

(C) Microscopic examination of aural exudate

(D) Microscopic examination of deep scrapings of cutaneous lesions

(E) Wood's light examination

33. A 5-year-old dog is found to have isosthenuria and moderate azotemia. Which of the following
concomitant findings is the most reliable indicator that the dog has chronic renal failure?

(A) Hyperkalemia

(B) Hyperphosphatemia

(C) Hypocalcemia

(D) Hypoglycemia

(E) Nonregenerative anemia

34. A 6-year-old neutered male cat was treated for a urethral obstruction three days ago but continues
to have a full bladder that can be easily expressed. Which of the following drugs is most likely to help
treat this cat's problem?

(A) Bethanechol

(B) Ephedrine

(C) Phenoxybenzamine

(D) Phenylpropanolamine

(E) Propantheline
35. A horse is being reevaluated six days after initial treatment of a minor corneal lesion. Reexamination
of the affected eye shows photophobia, lacrimation, blepharospasm, corneal edema, and a yellowish
white stromal infiltrate in the cornea. Vital dye does not stain the cornea. Which of the following is the
most likely diagnosis?

(A) Corneal scar

(B) Corneal stromal abscess

(C) Deep corneal ulceration

(D) Primary lipid keratopathy

(E) Superficial corneal ulceration

36. A 6-month-old kitten has several rapidly expanding circular patches of alopecia. The owner's
daughter has developed a lesion on her hand. Wood's light examination shows no fluorescence. Which
of the following is the most appropriate next diagnostic test to perform on the kitten?

(A) Bacterial culture of hair from the lesions

(B) Fungal culture of hair from the lesions

(C) Fungal serology

(D) Histopathologic and cytologic examination of biopsy specimens of the lesions

(E) Microscopic examination of deep skin scrapings from the lesions

37. An iguana is reluctant to move and refuses to eat anything except lettuce and an occasional
mealworm. Radiographs show multiple fractures and thin cortices in the bones. Which of the following
is the most likely cause of the fractures?

(A) Hyperparathyroidism

(B) Hypervitaminosis D

(C) Iodine deficiency

(D) Vitamin A deficiency

(E) Vitamin E deficiency

38. A mature lactating dairy cow is being examined because of a sudden onset of anorexia, decreased
milk production, decreased fecal production, and colic. On physical examination, the cow is dehydrated
and alkalotic. There is an area of tympany, 15 cm in diameter, centered over the middle of the right 12th
rib. On rectal examination, there is a tense structure in the right abdomen. Which of the following is the
most likely diagnosis?

(A) Cecal volvulus

(B) Left abomasal displacement

(C) Pneumoperitoneum due to a perforated abomasal ulcer

(D) Right abomasal displacement without volvulus

(E) Right abomasal volvulus

39. A peach-faced lovebird is bleeding profusely from a broken primary feather. Which of the following
is the best means to stop the hemorrhage?

(A) Apply ferrous sulfate powder

(B) Cauterize the feather with a silver nitrate stick

(C) Cut off the feather at skin level and cauterize the cut with electrocautery

(D) Pull out the broken feather and apply hemostasis to the follicle

(E) Do nothing; the bleeding will gradually stop

40. A 3-week-old calf dies after a 10-day history of fever and bloody diarrhea. Which of the following
tests is most likely to confirm a diagnosis of salmonellosis?

(A) Culture of the mesenteric lymph nodes

(B) Fecal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

(C) Fecal flotation

(D) Fluorescent antibody testing of intestinal mucosa

(E) Hepatic histopathologic analysis

41. A 6-month-old kitten is being evaluated because of abnormal curvature of the legs. Radiographs of
the skeleton show multiple healing fractures and generalized osteopenia. Which of the following is the
most likely cause?

(A) Disuse osteopenia

(B) Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism

(C) Rickets
(D) Scurvy

(E) Toxic osteopenia

42. A 5-year-old cat is being evaluated because of a sudden onset of paralysis of the rear legs. Femoral
pulses are absent, and the rear legs are cold and painful. Spinal reflexes of the rear legs are absent.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

(A) Aberrant parasitic migration

(B) Aortic thromboembolism

(C) Fibrocartilaginous emboli

(D) Intervertebral disk herniation

(E) Trauma to the spinal cord

43. Which of the following is the preferred site for intravenous injection in mature swine?

(A) Anterior cephalic vein

(B) Dorsal auricular vein

(C) Femoral vein

(D) Jugular vein

(E) Lateral thoracic vein

44. Which of the following is the most likely cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in an adult cat?

(A) Hyperthyroidism

(B) Neoplasia

(C) Pulmonary fibrosis

(D) Taurine deficiency

(E) Toxoplasmosis

45. A 100-cow dairy herd is being evaluated because of a 10% average decrease in daily milk production,
a 60% incidence of loose stools, and a high incidence of reddened coronary bands and rear-leg shifting
lameness. Two milking cows have died of unknown causes in the past two weeks. Which of the following
is the most likely diagnosis?
(A) Bovine virus diarrhea

(B) Dietary protein deficiency with associated decrease in milk production

(C) Hairy heel warts

(D) Laminitis secondary to ruminal acidosis

(E) Salmonellosis

46. A 2-year-old Quarter horse is being evaluated because of pyrexia, anorexia, and depression. Clinical
examination shows a bilateral nasal discharge and retropharyngeal swelling. Which of the following is
the most likely diagnosis?

(A) Esophageal obstruction

(B) Equine influenza

(C) Equine viral rhinopneumonitis

(D) Guttural pouch mycosis

(E) Strangles

47. One hour after being vaccinated, a puppy develops sudden swelling and pruritus of the lips, eyelids,
and nose. Which of the following is the most likely cause of these signs?

(A) Arthus reaction

(B) Cell-mediated hypersensitivity

(C) Cytotoxic hypersensitivity

(D) Immediate hypersensitivity

(E) Immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity

48. A 5-year-old male Old English Sheepdog is being evaluated because of collapse. A lead II
electrocardiogram (sensitivity, 1 mV = 1 cm) is shown. These findings are most consistent with which of
the following?
(A) Cardiomyopathy

(B) Endocarditis

(C) Mitral regurgitation

(D) Pericardial effusion

(E) Subaortic stenosis

49. Which of the following is the most likely cause of hemorrhagic enteritis affecting the small intestines
of suckling pigs?

(A) Clostridium perfringens type C

(B) Isospora suis

(C) Rotavirus

(D) Salmonella choleraesuis

(E) Serpulina hyodysenteriae

50. Which of the following is the most likely cause of generalized polymyopathy secondary to chronic
renal failure in cats?

(A) Hypochloridemia

(B) Hypokalemia

(C) Hypomagnesemia

(D) Hyponatremia

(E) Hypophosphatemia
51. A group of 2-week-old dairy calves develop watery diarrhea that is unresponsive to antibiotic
therapy. A fecal sample contains round 2- to 4-cm bodies that are acid-fast-positive. Which of the
following is the most likely causative organism?

(A) Cryptosporidium spp

(B) Escherichia coli O157:H7

(C) Mycobacterium spp

(D) Nocardia spp

(E) Salmonella spp

52. After the initial estrous cycle, a 6-month-old cat has firm enlargement of all mammary glands.
Mammary gland hyperplasia is suspected. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?

(A) Bilateral radical mastectomy

(B) Estradiol cypionate therapy

(C) Furosemide therapy

(D) Megestrol acetate therapy

(E) Ovariohysterectomy

53. An adult female rabbit has a sudden onset of paralysis of the hindquarters and urinary incontinence.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

(A) Idiopathic demyelination

(B) Metastatic uterine adenocarcinoma

(C) Mycotoxicosis

(D) Saddle thrombus

(E) Spinal injury from inappropriate handling

54. A 550-lb (249.2-kg) steer is standing alone and shifting its weight from one rear leg to the other.
Physical examination shows spasms in the perineal area. Which of the following is the most appropriate
diagnostic test?

(A) Analysis of fibrinogen

(B) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration

(C) Insertion of a urinary catheter

(D) Leukogram

(E) Rectal palpation

55. Removal of a midjejunal foreign body from a cat requires partial intestinal resection. Which of the
following anastomotic techniques is most likely to provide both secure closure and the largest luminal
diameter?

(A) Double-layer appositional

(B) Double-layer everting

(C) Double-layer inverting

(D) Single-layer appositional

(E) Single-layer inverting

56. An otherwise healthy 8-year-old Great Dane dog has become acutely lame. Radiographs of the
affected limb show lysis in the distal radial metaphysis. Which of the following is the most likely
diagnosis?

(A) Bacterial osteomyelitis

(B) Eosinophilic panosteitis

(C) Hypertrophic osteodystrophy

(D) Osteochondrosis

(E) Osteosarcoma

57. On physical examination, a 12-year-old male dog is found to have bilaterally symmetric alopecia,
enlarged mammary glands, and a pendulous prepuce. Which of the following is the most likely cause of
these findings?

(A) Adrenocortical adenoma

(B) Anal sac adenocarcinoma

(C) Pituitary adenoma of the pars distalis

(D) Prostatic adenocarcinoma

(E) Testicular Sertoli cell tumor

58. A 3-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse has a history of tiring early in a race and making a high-pitched
noise when inspiring while running. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most likely to determine
the cause?

(A) Cytologic examination of a transtracheal wash

(B) Endoscopy of the larynx

(C) Radiographs of the guttural pouches

(D) Radiographs of the thorax

(E) Sinus centesis

59. A 6-year-old neutered male cat is being evaluated because of lethargy and depression. On cardiac
examination, a grade III/VI murmur and a gallop rhythm are detected. Heart size appears normal on a
radiograph. Which of the following tests will provide the most accurate cardiac anatomic information?

(A) Aortic angiography

(B) Echocardiography

(C) Electrocardiography

(D) Pericardiography

(E) Pulmonary angiography

60. A 7-year-old mare has had intermittent signs of moderately severe colic for the past 48 hours. Heart
rate is 56 beats/min. Hydration, acid-base balance, and electrolyte parameters are near normal. On
rectal examination, the left dorsal and ventral colon feels distended and is felt coursing in a dorsocranial
direction. The spleen is displaced caudomedially. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

(A) Cecocolic intussusception or cecal inversion

(B) Displacement of the left colon over the nephrosplenic ligament

(C) Ileocecal intussusception

(D) Infarction of the large colon

(E) Volvulus of the large colon and the cecum

Answer Key for Sample Questions

BLOCK 1

1. B
2. C

3. D

4. C

5. B

6. C

7. D

8. E

9. D

10. B

11. E

12. A

13. B

14. E

15. D

16. E

17. C

18. A

19. C

20. A

21. E

22. C

23. E

24. B

25. A

26. E

27. D

28. B

29. E

30. A
BLOCK 2

31. D

32. C

33. E

34. A

35. B

36. B

37. A

38. E

39. D

40. A

41. B

42. B

43. B

44. D

45. D

46. E

47. D

48. D

49. A

50. B

51. A

52. E

53. E

54. B

55. D

56. E

57. E
58. B

59. B

60. B