North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

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In an outbreak of foul-smelling diarrhea in a herd of calves, what is likely the primary diagnosis to consider?

  1. Salmonellosis

  2. Clostridial enteritis

  3. Coccidiosis

  4. BVD infection

The correct answer is: Salmonellosis

In the context of an outbreak of foul-smelling diarrhea in a herd of calves, salmonellosis is often the primary diagnosis to consider. This infectious disease caused by Salmonella spp. is notorious for causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea that can be particularly foul-smelling due to the presence of bacteria and toxins in the digestive tract. Salmonellosis tends to present with rapid onset of diarrhea and can range from mild to severe, frequently accompanied by systemic illness, fever, and even dehydration in young calves. The distinctive smell associated with the diarrhea is a key clinical sign that prompts consideration of Salmonella as a possible cause. While clostridial enteritis can also lead to severe diarrhea and has a foul odor as well, it usually occurs in specific contexts such as sudden diet changes or after antibiotic treatment and is often associated with a more acute and severe clinical picture, possibly resulting in sudden death. Coccidiosis and BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) infection typically present with different clinical signs or are associated with less foul-smelling diarrhea. Coccidiosis generally causes more mucoid or blood-tinged diarrhea rather than the intensely foul odor seen with Salmonella, while BVD is more characterized by chronic diarrhea rather