North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. Study with our quiz featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ensure your success with our comprehensive prep material!

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In which animal is it most common for estrus to recur in a 2-3 week interval without a male present?

  1. Dog

  2. Cat

  3. Horse

  4. Sheep

The correct answer is: Cat

In felines, particularly domestic cats, estrus can occur in recurring intervals of approximately 2 to 3 weeks, especially when there is no male present. This phenomenon is referred to as "seasonal polyestrus." Unlike some other species, such as dogs, where the estrous cycle involves a distinct proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and anestrus, cats can continue to enter estrus repeatedly throughout their breeding season if they are not mated. The absence of a male triggers the female to go through cycles of estrus in this relatively short timeframe, allowing the potential for mating when a male is available. In contrast, the reproductive cycles in dogs are more spaced out, with a common cycle approximately every six months. Horses and sheep also have specific breeding seasons and patterns where estrus does not typically recur in such short intervals without the presence of a male. Therefore, the behavior of cats regarding their estrous cycles is unique and best explains why they are the species identified in this context.