North American Veterinary Licensing
Examination (NAVLE) Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A 4-year-old Labrador Retriever presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and
weight loss. Laboratory results reveal hyperglycemia and glucosuria.
The most likely diagnosis is:
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Cushing’s disease
D. Addison’s disease
Rationale:
Diabetes mellitus in dogs commonly presents with polyuria, polydipsia,
weight loss, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria.
, 2. Which of the following is the most common heartworm preventive
mechanism?
A. Adulticidal therapy
B. Macrocyclic lactones
C. Surgical removal
D. Beta-blockers
Rationale:
Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, milbemycin) are used to prevent
heartworm infection by killing larval stages.
3. A 6-year-old cat presents with vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia.
Bloodwork reveals markedly elevated ALT and AST. The most likely
diagnosis is:
A. Hepatic lipidosis
B. Chronic kidney disease
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Pancreatitis
Rationale:
Hepatic lipidosis is common in cats, often triggered by anorexia, causing
elevated liver enzymes.
, 4. Which bacteria is most commonly associated with pyometra in intact
female dogs?
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Escherichia coli
C. Clostridium perfringens
D. Streptococcus pyogenes
Rationale:
E. coli is the predominant organism isolated in canine pyometra due to
ascending infection during diestrus.
5. A horse presents with colic, increased heart rate, and decreased gut
motility. The most appropriate first diagnostic step is:
A. Exploratory laparotomy
B. Fecal flotation
C. Physical examination including rectal palpation
D. Endoscopy
Rationale:
Initial assessment of equine colic involves physical exam and rectal
palpation to localize the problem before surgery.
6. Which anesthetic agent is preferred for induction in cats with cardiac
disease?
, A. Ketamine alone
B. Thiopental
C. Propofol
D. Halothane
Rationale:
Propofol provides smooth induction with minimal cardiac stimulation and
is generally safer in cats with cardiac disease.
7. Which parasite is the most common cause of zoonotic cutaneous larva
migrans?
A. Toxocara canis
B. Ancylostoma spp.
C. Trichuris vulpis
D. Dipylidium caninum
Rationale:
Ancylostoma spp. (hookworms) penetrate human skin causing cutaneous
larva migrans.
8. What is the most likely cause of chronic coughing in a middle-aged
Labrador Retriever with no fever?
A. Pneumonia
B. Chronic bronchitis
Examination (NAVLE) Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A 4-year-old Labrador Retriever presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and
weight loss. Laboratory results reveal hyperglycemia and glucosuria.
The most likely diagnosis is:
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Cushing’s disease
D. Addison’s disease
Rationale:
Diabetes mellitus in dogs commonly presents with polyuria, polydipsia,
weight loss, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria.
, 2. Which of the following is the most common heartworm preventive
mechanism?
A. Adulticidal therapy
B. Macrocyclic lactones
C. Surgical removal
D. Beta-blockers
Rationale:
Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, milbemycin) are used to prevent
heartworm infection by killing larval stages.
3. A 6-year-old cat presents with vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia.
Bloodwork reveals markedly elevated ALT and AST. The most likely
diagnosis is:
A. Hepatic lipidosis
B. Chronic kidney disease
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Pancreatitis
Rationale:
Hepatic lipidosis is common in cats, often triggered by anorexia, causing
elevated liver enzymes.
, 4. Which bacteria is most commonly associated with pyometra in intact
female dogs?
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Escherichia coli
C. Clostridium perfringens
D. Streptococcus pyogenes
Rationale:
E. coli is the predominant organism isolated in canine pyometra due to
ascending infection during diestrus.
5. A horse presents with colic, increased heart rate, and decreased gut
motility. The most appropriate first diagnostic step is:
A. Exploratory laparotomy
B. Fecal flotation
C. Physical examination including rectal palpation
D. Endoscopy
Rationale:
Initial assessment of equine colic involves physical exam and rectal
palpation to localize the problem before surgery.
6. Which anesthetic agent is preferred for induction in cats with cardiac
disease?
, A. Ketamine alone
B. Thiopental
C. Propofol
D. Halothane
Rationale:
Propofol provides smooth induction with minimal cardiac stimulation and
is generally safer in cats with cardiac disease.
7. Which parasite is the most common cause of zoonotic cutaneous larva
migrans?
A. Toxocara canis
B. Ancylostoma spp.
C. Trichuris vulpis
D. Dipylidium caninum
Rationale:
Ancylostoma spp. (hookworms) penetrate human skin causing cutaneous
larva migrans.
8. What is the most likely cause of chronic coughing in a middle-aged
Labrador Retriever with no fever?
A. Pneumonia
B. Chronic bronchitis
