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 with our quiz. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Enhance your knowledge and confidently pass your exam!

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 can be said about the prognosis of a cat with right head tilt and horizontal nystagmus without medication?

  1. Fair prognosis with corticosteroids

  2. Good prognosis with corticosteroids and anti-emetics

  3. Excellent prognosis without medication

  4. Excellent prognosis with corticosteroids and antibiotics

The correct answer is: Excellent prognosis without medication

When considering the prognosis of a cat exhibiting right head tilt and horizontal nystagmus, it is important to understand the underlying conditions that may present these signs. These clinical signs can indicate peripheral vestibular disease, which generally has a favorable outlook. In cases of idiopathic vestibular disease, many cats show significant improvement within days to weeks and may not require pharmacological intervention. The absence of medication, therefore, can still lead to a good recovery, as many cats can compensate for vestibular issues over time. Additionally, the nature of the vestibular system allows for some degree of adaptation and recovery, making the prognosis favorable without the need for corticosteroids or other treatments. While corticosteroids can be beneficial in certain cases of vestibular disease suspected to be of inflammatory origin, many cases are self-limiting, and supportive care often suffices for recovery. Hence, the assessment of an excellent prognosis without medication aligns with the natural history of idiopathic vestibular disease in felines.