North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

Which condition is characterized by moderate canine heartworm disease with occasional coughing?

1. Class I

2. Class II

3. Class III

4. Class IV

The correct answer is: Class II

The condition characterized by moderate canine heartworm disease with occasional coughing aligns with Class II. In this stage, dogs typically display mild to moderate clinical signs, which may include intermittent coughing. This is often a result of the presence of a significant number of heartworms without the severe complications that can occur in more advanced stages. Class I usually pertains to dogs that show no clinical signs, making it an inappropriate classification for a condition with coughing. Class III indicates a more severe form of heartworm disease where clinical signs are more prominent, and symptoms can include more persistent coughing, respiratory distress, and potentially other systemic issues. Class IV, also known as caval syndrome, is a critical and life-threatening stage that involves severe cardiovascular issues due to an overwhelming number of heartworms, leading to shock or collapse. In summary, Class II denotes the moderate presentation where symptoms may be present yet are not as severe as those seen in Class III or IV, which is why this classification accurately captures the scenario presented.