Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What common clinical signs can insufficient feed and internal parasites cause?

1. Fever and bloating

2. Weight loss

3. Excessive grooming

4. Anxiety and aggression

The correct answer is: Weight loss

Weight loss is a common clinical sign associated with insufficient feed and internal parasites. Inadequate nutrition can lead to a lack of essential nutrients, impeding the animal's growth, maintenance, and overall health. When animals do not receive enough food, they begin to utilize their body reserves for energy, resulting in weight loss. Similarly, internal parasites consume nutrients from the host's diet and can also contribute to malnutrition, further exacerbating weight loss. The other clinical signs, while possibly relevant in different contexts, are less directly related to the specific issues of insufficient feeding and internal parasites. For example, fever and bloating may be indicative of various health problems but are not primary signs associated with these two factors. Excessive grooming may indicate stress, discomfort, or skin issues rather than direct consequences of feeding or parasitic problems. Anxiety and aggression are behavioral responses that might stem from various stressors, but they do not specifically signal malnutrition or parasitic infestation. Thus, weight loss is the most appropriate indicator in this context.