FFA Veterinary Science CDE Practice Test

What common condition in small animals is caused by excessive body fat accumulation?

1. Bone disease

2. Malnutrition

3. Obesity

4. Hypervitaminosis

The correct answer is: Obesity

Obesity is a common condition in small animals characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, which can significantly impact their overall health and quality of life. This condition often arises from an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, typically due to overfeeding, lack of exercise, or a combination of both. Obesity can lead to a variety of serious health issues such as diabetes, joint problems, and cardiovascular diseases in pets. It is a preventable condition and often changeable through diet modifications and increased physical activity. In contrast, the other options are not directly caused by excessive body fat accumulation. Bone disease can stem from a variety of factors, including genetic predispositions and nutritional deficiencies, rather than merely from obesity. Malnutrition refers to an inadequate or unbalanced intake of nutrients, which indicates a lack of proper nutrition rather than an excess of body fat. Hypervitaminosis occurs from an overdose of vitamins, particularly fat-soluble vitamins, which is unrelated to body fat accumulation. Thus, obesity stands out as the condition specifically linked to excessive body fat in small animals.