North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

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!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What chronic condition in horses is characterized by a long, wavy coat and predisposition to skin infections?

Cushing's disease
Hypothyroidism
Diabetes insipidus
Pheochromocytoma

The correct answer is: Cushing's disease

Cushing's disease, also known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses, is a chronic endocrine condition that is characterized by an overproduction of cortisol due to dysfunction of the pituitary gland. One of the hallmark signs of this disease is a long, wavy coat, which often does not shed properly in the spring—resulting in a condition known as hirsutism. Additionally, horses with Cushing's disease are predisposed to various skin infections and other dermatological issues. This susceptibility is linked to the immune-modulating effects of excess cortisol, which can lead to skin problems, a compromised immune response, and increased bacterial and fungal infections. While hypothyroidism, diabetes insipidus, and pheochromocytoma have their own clinical signs and implications in horses, they do not exhibit the specific coat abnormalities or the consistent predisposition to skin infections that are characteristic of Cushing's disease in this context.