Free Practice Questions for Esame di Stato Medico Veterinario

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Key Facts: Esame di Stato Medico Veterinario Exam

1 oral exam

Exam format: comprehensive oral assessment under D.I. 569/2022

MUR D.I. 569/2022 & O.M. 693/2026

60/100

Minimum passing score on the 100-point oral examination

D.I. 569/2022, Art. 3

2 sessions/yr

Sessions scheduled for 27 July and 16 November 2026

MUR O.M. 693/2026, Art. 2

€49.58

State exam tax plus university-specific administrative contribution

MUR O.M. 693/2026, Art. 3

LM-42

Single-cycle master's degree in Veterinary Medicine qualifying for the exam

MUR Regulations & D.I. 569/2022

FNOVI

Federazione Nazionale Ordini Veterinari Italiani professional register

D.Lgs. C.P.S. 233/1946 & Legge 3/2018

The Italian Veterinary State Exam (Esame di Stato Medico Veterinario) is the statutory post-graduate licensing exam administered under MUR O.M. 693/2026 and D.I. 569/2022 for veterinary graduates on the transitional legacy track. Consisting of a single comprehensive oral examination scored out of 100 (60/100 to pass), it verifies proficiency across companion/equine medicine, public health and food safety inspection, livestock husbandry, and FNOVI veterinary legislation. Independent Medico Veterinario State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Sample Esame di Stato Medico Veterinario Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Esame di Stato Medico Veterinario exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 94+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 6-year-old male German Shepherd is presented in acute distress with non-productive retching, abdominal distension, restlessness, and signs of hypovolemic shock. On right lateral abdominal radiography, a gas-filled soft tissue fold divides the stomach into two compartments (the 'double bubble' or 'reverse C' sign). What is the immediate stabilization priority prior to definitive surgical gastropexy?

A.Immediate intravenous fluid resuscitation via large-bore cephalic catheters and gastric decompression via orogastric tube or percutaneous trocarization

B.Immediate exploratory laparotomy without prior fluid resuscitation to rapidly derotate the stomach before ischemic necrosis progresses

C.Intravenous administration of high-dose dexamethasone sodium phosphate to counteract endotoxemia followed by barium sulfate contrast radiography

D.Placement of a urinary catheter and induction of emesis with apomorphine to evacuate gastric contents before general anesthesia

Explanation: In canine gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), acute gastric enlargement and volvulus compress the caudal vena cava and portal vein, causing severe reduction in venous return and profound hypovolemic/obstructive shock. Immediate hemodynamic resuscitation using balanced isotonic crystalloids through large-bore forelimb (cephalic) catheters combined with gastric decompression (via orogastric intubation or percutaneous trocarization) is essential to restore cardiac output before inducing anesthesia for surgical derotation and gastropexy.

2A 4-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat is presented obtunded with a 24-hour history of vocalizing in the litter box and stranguria. Physical examination reveals a severely distended, turgid urinary bladder and severe bradycardia (heart rate 90 bpm). Electrocardiography shows absent P waves, wide and bizarre QRS complexes, and tall, tented T waves. Serum biochemistry reveals serum potassium of 8.8 mEq/L. Which medication must be administered first?

A.10% Calcium gluconate intravenously under continuous ECG monitoring

B.Regular insulin and 50% dextrose intravenously to shift potassium intracellularly

C.Sodium polystyrene sulfonate orally to bind gastrointestinal potassium

D.Buprenorphine intramuscularly followed immediately by rigid urethral catheterization

Explanation: Severe hyperkalemia (>8.0 mEq/L) in obstructed tomcats causes fatal cardiac conduction arrest (sinoventricular rhythm, ventricular fibrillation, or asystole). Intravenous 10% calcium gluconate (0.5–1.0 mL/kg slowly over 5–10 minutes) antagonizes the cardiotoxic effects of hyperkalemia by raising the cardiac cell action potential threshold, immediately stabilizing the cardiomyocyte resting membrane potential without altering serum potassium concentration.

3A 10-year-old female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is evaluated for a routine check-up. Thoracic auscultation reveals a grade IV/VI left apical systolic murmur with no cough, tachypnea, or exercise intolerance. Echocardiography demonstrates mitral valve thickening, severe mitral regurgitation, a left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA:Ao) of 1.75, and a normalized left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVIDDn) of 1.85. Vertebral heart score (VHS) is 11.2. According to the ACVIM consensus guidelines, what is the disease stage and recommended pharmacotherapy?

A.Stage B2; initiate pimobendan to prolong the asymptomatic period and delay onset of congestive heart failure

B.Stage B1; no medical treatment is indicated, but re-evaluate with echocardiography in 6 months

C.Stage C; initiate triple therapy consisting of furosemide, pimobendan, and an ACE inhibitor (benazepril)

D.Stage B2; initiate monotherapy with furosemide to prevent the development of pulmonary edema

Explanation: According to the ACVIM consensus guidelines for myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), Stage B2 corresponds to asymptomatic dogs that have reached significant cardiomegaly (murmur grade >= 3/6, LA:Ao >= 1.6, LVIDDn >= 1.7, VHS > 10.5). Based on the landmark QUEST and EPIC trials, early initiation of the inodilator pimobendan (0.25–0.3 mg/kg q12h) in Stage B2 significantly delays the median onset of congestive heart failure or cardiac death by approximately 15 months.

4A 10-week-old unvaccinated mixed-breed puppy is admitted with severe depression, persistent vomiting, foul-smelling hemorrhagic diarrhea, and hypothermia (37.2 °C). Complete blood count reveals severe panleukopenia (WBC 1.1 x 10^9/L, absolute neutrophil count 0.4 x 10^9/L). Which rapid diagnostic test provides the most practical confirmation of canine parvovirus (CPV-2) infection in the clinic?

A.Point-of-care fecal antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or lateral flow immunochromatography

B.Serum virus neutralization antibody titer assay

C.Endoscopic mucosal biopsy of the ileum with routine hematoxylin-eosin histopathology

D.Transmission electron microscopy of mesenteric lymph node aspirates

Explanation: Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) targets rapidly dividing cells in intestinal crypts and bone marrow precursor lineages, resulting in hemorrhagic enteritis and panleukopenia. Bedside fecal antigen ELISA or lateral flow immunochromatographic assays detect CPV capsid protein (VP2) shed in high concentrations in feces during acute infection (days 3–10), providing rapid, sensitive, and clinic-ready confirmation to institute strict isolation and supportive care.

5An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding displays severe signs of colic refractory to flunixin meglumine, featuring persistent pawing, flehmen response, heart rate 76 bpm, and absence of intestinal borborygmi. Nasogastric intubation yields 12 liters of foul-smelling, brownish-red gastric reflux. Abdominocentesis retrieves serosanguineous peritoneal fluid with a total protein of 3.8 g/dL and a lactate concentration of 5.2 mmol/L (systemic blood lactate is 2.1 mmol/L). What is the definitive management plan?

A.Immediate emergency referral for exploratory laparotomy due to suspected strangulating small intestinal obstruction

B.Medical therapy with intravenous mineral oil, repeated buscopan administration, and walking every 2 hours

C.Continuous nasogastric enteral fluid administration at 5 liters/hour to treat pelvic flexure impaction

D.Intraperitoneal antimicrobial lavage with gentamicin and intramuscular procaine penicillin

Explanation: The combination of intractable pain unresponsive to potent NSAIDs, large volumes of net gastric reflux, elevated heart rate, and serosanguineous peritoneal fluid with elevated protein (>2.5 g/dL) and peritoneal lactate markedly higher than systemic lactate is pathognomonic for strangulating small intestinal obstruction (e.g., strangulating lipoma or epiploic foramen entrapment). Peritoneal lactate > 2.0 mmol/L and higher than peripheral lactate indicates local bowel ischemia and wall devitalization, serving as an absolute indication for emergency surgical intervention.

6A 13-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat is evaluated for progressive weight loss despite a voracious appetite, hyperactivity, and occasional unprovoked vocalization. Physical examination reveals a body condition score of 2/9, a palpable nodular mass in the left ventral cervical region, tachycardia (heart rate 220 bpm), and a systolic gallop sound. Which diagnostic test is the gold-standard initial screening test to confirm feline hyperthyroidism?

A.Serum total thyroxine (total T4) measurement

B.Endogenous serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) alone

C.Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the cervical thyroid nodule

D.Thyroid pertechnetate (99mTcO4-) scintigraphy scan

Explanation: Serum total thyroxine (total T4) is the primary initial screening test of choice for feline hyperthyroidism, exhibiting over 90–95% sensitivity and high specificity. In geriatric cats exhibiting classical signs (weight loss, polyphagia, palpable thyroid slip, tachycardia), a serum total T4 level well above the laboratory reference interval confirms functional autonomous adenomatous thyroid hyperplasia.

7A 4-year-old female Standard Poodle presents with a waxing and waning history of anorexia, intermittent vomiting, lethargy, and weakness that worsen following stressful events. Serum chemistry reveals severe hyponatremia (Na+ 124 mEq/L) and hyperkalemia (K+ 6.8 mEq/L), yielding a sodium-to-potassium ratio of 18.2:1 (normal > 27:1), along with mild pre-renal azotemia and hypoglycemia. What is the gold-standard diagnostic test to confirm primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)?

A.Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test evaluating baseline and post-stimulation cortisol concentrations

B.Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) measured at 0, 4, and 8 hours

C.Resting baseline endogenous serum ACTH concentration alone without stimulation

D.Urinary corticoid-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR) from morning free-catch urine

Explanation: The ACTH stimulation test is the gold-standard diagnostic assay for confirming primary canine hypoadrenocorticism. Administration of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin or tetracosactide) fails to stimulate adrenal cortisol production in affected dogs, resulting in flat, undetectable baseline and post-stimulation serum cortisol concentrations (<1–2 ug/dL) due to autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex.

8A 5-year-old male Labrador Retriever presents with sudden-onset unilateral pelvic limb lameness. Orthopedic examination under sedation reveals a positive cranial drawer sign and positive cranial tibial thrust in the right stifle. Radiographs demonstrate joint effusion, loss of the infrapatellar fat pad shadow, and early periarticular osteophytes around the trochlear ridges. Which surgical procedure is designed to dynamically stabilize the cruciate-deficient stifle by neutralizing cranial tibial thrust through radial osteotomy of the proximal tibia?

A.Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)

B.Extracapsular lateral fabellotibial suture stabilization

C.Femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty (FHNO)

D.Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)

Explanation: Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) involves making a radial osteotomy in the proximal tibia and rotating the tibial plateau to reduce the tibial plateau angle (TPA) to approximately 5–6.5 degrees. This geometric realignment converts the cranial tibial thrust into a stabilizing caudal compression force during weight-bearing, eliminating the mechanical need for an intact cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).

9A 9-year-old Welsh Pony with a body condition score of 8/9 and cresty neck adiposity exhibits acute reluctance to move, shifting weight back onto its hindquarters in a classic 'sawhorse' stance. Palpation of the digital arteries in both front feet reveals bounding pulses and marked hoof wall heat. Hoof testers elicit intense painful withdrawal over the dorsal toe region. Lateromedial radiographs of the front hooves are obtained. What key radiographic measurement evaluates the mechanical severity of laminitis?

A.The angle of divergence (rotation) between the dorsal hoof wall and the dorsal cortex of the distal phalanx (P3), and the vertical sinking distance from the coronary band to the extensor process

B.The width of the navicular bursa and the number of distal border synovial invaginations in the sesamoid bone

C.The medial-to-lateral tilt of the proximal interphalangeal joint space on horizontal dorsopalmar views

D.The length of the proximal sesamoid bones relative to the circumference of the metacarpal shaft

Explanation: In equine laminitis, enzymatic breakdown of the epidermal-dermal lamellar attachment enables the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) to pull the distal phalanx (P3 / coffin bone) away from the dorsal hoof wall. Lateral radiographs allow measurement of dorsal rotation (divergence between the dorsal hoof wall and the dorsal surface of P3) and distal displacement ('sinker' measurement: vertical distance between the coronary band radio-opaque marker and the extensor process of P3), which are critical for staging and prognosis.

10A 7-year-old female intact Yorkshire Terrier with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus presents in stupor with severe tachypnea (Kussmaul breathing), dry mucous membranes, and capillary refill time of 3 seconds. Laboratory testing confirms blood glucose 520 mg/dL, venous blood gas pH 7.12, bicarbonate 8 mmol/L, anion gap 28 mEq/L, and strong urine acetoacetate. Initial fluid replacement with buffered crystalloids is initiated. When and how should insulin therapy be instituted in this canine diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) patient?

A.Delay insulin administration for 1–2 hours until fluid deficit is partially restored, then start regular (soluble) insulin at low-dose constant rate infusion or intermittent intramuscular protocol

B.Administer a bolus of intravenous high-dose protamine zinc insulin (PZI) immediately on admission along with fluids

C.Administer subcutaneous glargine at 1.0 IU/kg every 12 hours beginning concurrently with intravenous sodium bicarbonate boluses

D.Withhold insulin until blood pH normalizes spontaneously via renal excretion of ketone bodies alone

Explanation: In diabetic ketoacidosis, patients suffer severe osmotic diuresis, hypovolemia, and total-body potassium and phosphorus depletion. Initiating intravenous fluid resuscitation 1–2 hours prior to insulin therapy expands the extracellular fluid volume, restores renal perfusion, and lowers blood glucose through dilution and urinary excretion. Subsequent therapy with short-acting regular (soluble) insulin via constant rate infusion (CRI) or hourly IM injections prevents abrupt osmolar shifts and avoids precipitous life-threatening drops in serum potassium and phosphorus.

About the Esame di Stato Medico Veterinario Exam

The Esame di Stato per l'abilitazione all'esercizio della professione di Medico Veterinario is the statutory national licensing examination in Italy required to practice as a licensed veterinary surgeon and enroll in the provincial Ordine dei Medici Veterinari under the Federazione Nazionale Ordini Veterinari Italiani (FNOVI). Under the transitional regime defined by MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693/2026 and Decreto Interministeriale n. 569/2022, candidates who completed their studies under degree regulations prior to the direct-licensing reform (Laurea Abilitante under Legge 163/2021) undertake a single oral examination scheduled across two national sessions (27 July and 16 November 2026). The oral board evaluates diagnostic, surgical, prophylactic, and public health judgment across companion animals, horses, farm livestock, food safety inspection, and sanitary surveillance. Independent Medico Veterinario State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an intensive English-language multiple-choice adaptation covering clinical medicine, European and national food safety law, infectious disease eradication, and professional ethics.

Exam sponsor: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR) / designated universities. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Under the transitional framework governed by MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693 of 27 May 2026 and Decreto Interministeriale n. 569 of 20 June 2022, candidates under the legacy non-qualifying degree pathway sit for a single comprehensive oral examination. The oral assessment is scored out of 100 points (minimum passing score 60/100) and rigorously tests clinical and critical reasoning across three broad disciplines: (1) companion animal, equine, and exotic animal clinical medicine, surgery, and diagnostics; (2) public veterinary health, infectious animal prophylaxis, zoonoses, and food safety/inspection of animal products; and (3) animal husbandry, livestock nutrition, animal welfare, and professional deontology/legislation (including the electronic veterinary prescription REV and ClassyFarm). Eligible EU candidates residing in Trentino-Alto Adige may opt for a German-language examination session conducted at the University of Bologna. Independent Medico Veterinario State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed to prepare candidates for the core clinical, regulatory, and public health dilemmas posed during the oral examination.

Time Limit

Single oral examination session (no national duration published)

Passing Score

60/100 on the oral examination

Exam / Certification Fees

€49.58 state tax plus a contribution set by the chosen university

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

35 local questions (not an official percentage)

Companion Animal, Equine & Exotic Animal Clinical Medicine, Surgery & Diagnostics

Internal medicine, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, emergency and critical care, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, pharmacology, dermatology, cardiology, and exotic companion animal clinical management

24 local questions (not an official percentage)

Public Veterinary Health, Zoonoses, Epidemiology & Animal Prophylaxis

Notifiable infectious diseases, national eradication plans (bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis), viral epizootics (African swine fever, avian influenza, bluetongue), vector-borne zoonoses (leishmaniasis, rabies), and veterinary police prophylaxis

19 local questions (not an official percentage)

Food Safety, Hygiene & Inspection of Food of Animal Origin

Slaughterhouse ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection, hygiene packages (Reg. EC 853/2004, Reg. EU 2017/625), microbiological criteria (Reg. EC 2073/2005), dairy and fishery product inspection (Anisakis), trichinellosis testing, and HACCP auditing

9 local questions (not an official percentage)

Animal Production, Livestock Husbandry, Animal Welfare & Nutrition

Bovine, swine, and poultry breeding systems, animal welfare assessments, ruminant and monogastric nutrition, metabolic herd disorders (subacute ruminal acidosis, ketosis), biosecurity protocols, and assisted reproduction

7 local questions (not an official percentage)

Deontology (FNOVI), Veterinary Legislation, REV & ClassyFarm

FNOVI Code of Deontology, professional liability, cascade prescribing principles (Reg. EU 2019/6), electronic veterinary prescription (Ricetta Elettronica Veterinaria - REV), ClassyFarm antimicrobial stewardship, and National Database (BDN) livestock traceability

Preparing for the Esame di Stato Medico Veterinario Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60/100 on the oral examination
Assessment: Under the transitional framework governed by MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693 of 27 May 2026 and Decreto Interministeriale n. 569 of 20 June 2022, candidates under the legacy non-qualifying degree pathway sit for a single comprehensive oral examination. The oral assessment is scored out of 100 points (minimum passing score 60/100) and rigorously tests clinical and critical reasoning across three broad disciplines: (1) companion animal, equine, and exotic animal clinical medicine, surgery, and diagnostics; (2) public veterinary health, infectious animal prophylaxis, zoonoses, and food safety/inspection of animal products; and (3) animal husbandry, livestock nutrition, animal welfare, and professional deontology/legislation (including the electronic veterinary prescription REV and ClassyFarm). Eligible EU candidates residing in Trentino-Alto Adige may opt for a German-language examination session conducted at the University of Bologna. Independent Medico Veterinario State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed to prepare candidates for the core clinical, regulatory, and public health dilemmas posed during the oral examination.
Time limit: Single oral examination session (no national duration published)
Exam / certification fees: €49.58 state tax plus a contribution set by the chosen university Official sources

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Esame di Stato Medico Veterinario: Suggested Study Strategy

1Review the key clinical emergencies in companion animal practice: gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), urethral obstruction in tomcats, diabetic ketoacidosis, status epilepticus, and acute congestive heart failure.

2Thoroughly master equine colic triage and abdominal diagnostics: nasogastric intubation, transrectal palpation, peritoneal fluid analysis, and indications for emergency exploratory laparotomy.

3Study official EU food safety regulations: Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 for specific hygiene rules of animal foods, Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls, and Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria.

4Understand Italian veterinary surveillance programs: national eradication plans for bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis, African swine fever (PSA) containment zones, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) biosecurity.

5Familiarize yourself with the European cascade prescribing rule under Regulation (EU) 2019/6 and its implementation via the Italian Electronic Veterinary Prescription (Ricetta Elettronica Veterinaria - REV).

6Learn the parameters and scoring of the Italian ClassyFarm system for assessing animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial usage (Defined Daily Dose Animal - DDDA).

7Review FNOVI deontology requirements regarding professional secrecy, informed consent, emergency medical assistance duty, and clinical record keeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Italian Veterinary State Exam (Esame di Stato Medico Veterinario) and who must take it in 2026?

The Esame di Stato per l'abilitazione all'esercizio della professione di Medico Veterinario is the national examination required to obtain professional licensure as a veterinary surgeon in Italy and register with a provincial Ordine dei Medici Veterinari (FNOVI). Following the university reform of qualifying degrees (Legge 163/2021 and D.I. 569/2022), the traditional State Exam continues under transitional rules (O.M. 693/2026) for veterinary graduates who completed the single-cycle master's degree (LM-42) under the legacy system where the degree itself did not confer automatic licensure.

How is the transitional 2026 examination structured and graded under D.I. 569/2022?

In accordance with Decreto Interministeriale n. 569/2022 and MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693/2026, the examination consists of a single oral examination testing critical reasoning across companion and equine medicine, public veterinary health and food safety, and animal production. The examination is evaluated by a university examination commission on a 100-point scale, and candidates must achieve at least 60/100 to obtain professional habilitation.

When are the examination sessions held in 2026 and what are the associated costs?

Under MUR O.M. 693/2026, two national sessions are scheduled: the first session commences on 27 July 2026 and the second session commences on 16 November 2026. Candidates are required to pay a statutory state examination tax of €49.58 (tassa di ammissione agli esami di Stato) along with an administrative tuition and examination contribution set independently by the university hosting the examination.

Can the veterinary state examination be taken in German?

Yes. Pursuant to Article 4 of MUR O.M. 693/2026, candidates who are European Union citizens and permanent residents of the autonomous province of Bolzano/Bozen or Trento have the right to sit the examination in the German language at the University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum).

Why are these practice questions formatted as English multiple-choice questions?

While the official examination is an oral assessment conducted in Italian (or German at Bologna), Independent Medico Veterinario State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation. This format enables candidates to systematically review high-stakes clinical scenarios, EU hygiene regulations, zoonotic disease protocols, and Italian veterinary legislation in an objective, active-recall format.