FFA Veterinary Science CDE Practice Test

A condition that is common in dogs, but rare in cats that is characterized by the swelling of the tonsils resulting in gagging, retching, soft coughing, and expulsion of mucus is known as ________________.

1. Pneumonitis

2. Rhinitis

3. Metritis

4. Tonsillitis

The correct answer is: Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the condition characterized by the inflammation of the tonsils, which can lead to symptoms such as gagging, retching, soft coughing, and expulsion of mucus. In dogs, this condition is more prevalent and can occur due to infections or irritants, leading to the noticeable swelling and discomfort that prompts these specific behaviors. The symptoms arise as the swollen tonsils can make it difficult for the animal to swallow or breathe comfortably, resulting in a moist cough and the production of mucus due to irritation in the throat. Other options are less relevant in this context. Pneumonitis refers to inflammation of the lung tissue, which would present different respiratory symptoms. Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, often leading to nasal discharge and sneezing rather than the throat symptoms associated with tonsillitis. Metritis involves inflammation of the uterus, entirely unrelated to the symptoms described. Thus, tonsillitis is the appropriate term identifying the observed condition in dogs, specifically the swelling of the tonsils that causes the specific symptoms mentioned. It highlights an important distinction in veterinary medicine, particularly between common canine conditions and rarer feline occurrences.