BODY SYSTEMS / ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
DIAGNOSIS
PHARMACOLOGY
DOSAGE MATH
SURGERY & ANESTHESIA
100

Max, 4-year-old Golden Retriever
Max has been coughing and wheezing for three days. He tires quickly on walks and occasionally struggles to breathe.

  • Question: Which body system is primarily affected?
  • Extra credit: Could there be another reason Max is having trouble breathing besides the primary system?


Respiratory system

100

Bruno, 5-month-old unvaccinated puppy
Bruno has been coughing and sneezing after visiting a dog park.

  • Question: What is the most likely cause of Bruno’s symptoms?
  • Extra credit: Could a viral infection or mild cold also cause these symptoms?

Kennel cough / upper respiratory infection

100

Max, Golden Retriever sprain
Max has a mild sprain after running. The vet prescribes a medication to reduce swelling and discomfort.

  • Question: What type of drug is prescribed?
  • Extra credit: Could cold therapy or mild analgesics also help?


Anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

100

Bruno, 10 kg puppy
Bruno has a mild skin infection. The veterinarian prescribes an oral antibiotic at 2 mg/kg.

  • Question: How many milligrams should Bruno receive?
  • Extra credit: How might the dose change if Bruno had liver or kidney issues?


20 mg

100

Buddy, 5-year-old dog
Buddy is scheduled for a dental procedure. The team must prepare for surgery.

  • Question: What is the first step to ensure proper surgical asepsis?
  • Extra credit: Could instrument checks or patient prep also be considered part of prep?


 Wash hands / follow aseptic protocol

200

Cleo, 7-year-old cat
Cleo drinks large amounts of water and urinates frequently. She is also lethargic and occasionally vomits.

  • Question: Which body system is most likely affected?
  • Extra credit: Could another system, like the endocrine system, be involved?


 Urinary system / renal system

200

Stray dog, found vomiting and lethargic
The dog may have eaten something harmful.

  • Question: What is a likely cause for the dog’s condition?
  • Extra credit: Could gastroenteritis or pancreatitis also be possible?


Dietary indiscretion / toxin ingestion

200

Cleo, cat with UTI
Cleo is diagnosed with a bacterial urinary tract infection.

  • Question: What class of medication should be prescribed?
  • Extra credit: Could supportive therapy like hydration or a urinary diet help as well?


Antibiotic

200

Rex, 20 kg dog
Rex is vomiting. The vet prescribes 5 mg/kg of a medication to control nausea. The solution is 10 mg/mL.

  • Question: How many milliliters should Rex receive?
  • Extra credit: Could dehydration or other health issues affect the dose?


10 mL

200

Max, 25 kg Golden Retriever
Max needs anesthesia for surgery. Dose = 0.2 mg/kg.

  • Question: How much anesthetic should be administered?
  • Extra credit: Could age or pre-existing conditions affect the dose?


5 mg

300

Thumper, 3-year-old rabbit
Thumper hasn’t eaten in 24 hours. His abdomen is bloated, and he’s hunched while grinding his teeth.

  • Question: Which body system is affected?
  • Extra credit: Could this digestive problem be caused by stress or dental issues?


Digestive system

300

Luna, 3-year-old cat
Luna scratches constantly, has patchy hair loss, and tiny black specks in her fur.

  • Question: What is the most likely problem?
  • Extra credit: Could mites or a fungal infection also cause similar signs?


Flea infestation

300

Rocky, post-surgery
Rocky had surgery. The veterinarian prescribes two types of medications for pain management.

  • Question: Name two types of drugs that might be used.
  • Extra credit: Could local anesthesia or non-drug pain management methods be used?


NSAID + opioid (or other pain meds)

300

Luna, 4 kg cat
Luna has a urinary tract infection. The vet prescribes 1 mg/kg of medication, 2 mg/mL.

  • Question: How many milliliters should be administered?
  • Extra credit: Could dehydration or low weight affect dosing?

2mL

300

Cleo, cat spay
Cleo is prepped on the table; vitals are checked, instruments sterilized.

  • Question: What is the first step after the patient is ready?
  • Extra credit: Could double-checking drug labels or patient ID also be part of preparation?


Double-check anesthesia, vitals, and sterile field before incision

400

Rocky, 5-year-old dog
Rocky had a seizure at home and is now disoriented and trembling.

  • Question: Which body system is responsible for these symptoms?
  • Extra credit: Could toxins or metabolic issues also cause these signs?


Nervous system

400

Duke, 6-year-old dog
Duke is retching repeatedly without vomiting and has a distended abdomen.

  • Question: What emergency condition should you suspect?
  • Extra credit: Could an intestinal blockage also be possible?


Bloat / Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) – emergency

400

Spot, dog with arthritis
The dog needs long-term joint pain management.

  • Question: What type of medication might the veterinarian prescribe?
  • Extra credit: Could supplements, weight management, or physical therapy also help?


NSAID or other anti-inflammatory / pain management drug

400

Duke, 15 kg dog
Duke has joint pain. Dose = 3 mg/kg, concentration = 15 mg/mL.

  • Question: How many milliliters should Duke receive?
  • Extra credit: Could kidney or liver disease require dose adjustment?


3mL

400

Rocky, post-surgery recovery
Rocky is recovering from anesthesia.

  • Question: Name one major risk to monitor during recovery.
  • Extra credit: Could hypothermia or low blood pressure also be concerns?


Respiratory depression or heart issues

500

Patches, 3-year-old guinea pig
Patches has weak hind legs and difficulty walking. She has had a diet low in fresh vegetables.

  • Question: Which body system is primarily affected?
  • Extra credit: Could nutritional deficiencies or neuromuscular problems also explain the weakness? 

Skeletal / musculoskeletal system

500

Thumper, rabbit
Not eating, grinding teeth, hunched posture.

  • Question: What serious condition should be considered?
  • Extra credit: Could dental problems or environmental stress also contribute?

Gastrointestinal stasis

500

Pharmacology abbreviation
The vet writes “NSAID” on the chart for a patient.

  • Question: What does NSAID stand for?
  • Extra credit: In what situations might NSAIDs not be safe?

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug

500

Bailey, 25 kg dog
Bailey has an ear infection. Dose = 4 mg/kg, concentration = 20 mg/mL.

  • Question: How many milliliters should be given?
  • Extra credit: How might age or health conditions alter the dose?

5mL

500

Duke, pre-anesthesia check
Duke’s vitals are checked, anesthetic dose calculated.

  • Question: Why is it important to calculate anesthetic dose carefully?
  • Extra credit: Could hydration status or lab work also affect dosing decisions? 

Weight ensures correct anesthetic dosing

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