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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Retained placenta and metritis in horses can predispose them to which secondary condition?

  1. Laminitis

  2. Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome

  3. Contagious equine metritis

  4. Cystic endometriosis

The correct answer is: Laminitis

Retained placenta and metritis in horses are significant conditions that can lead to systemic inflammation and infection, which in turn can disrupt normal metabolic processes and blood flow. One of the serious complications that can arise from these conditions is laminitis. Laminitis is an inflammatory condition of the hoof laminae, and it can be precipitated by systemic illness, including severe infections or inflammatory responses. In horses with retained placenta and metritis, the body may respond to the maternal infection and associated inflammation with a massive release of inflammatory mediators (cytokines), which can lead to laminae disruption and the development of laminitis. This links how the underlying issues of retained placenta and metritis can create a pathophysiological scenario conducive to laminitis, highlighting the importance of timely and effective treatment of these initial conditions to prevent further complications.