Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following animals has a normal respiration rate of 8-16 breaths per minute?

1. Dog

2. Cat

3. Horse

4. Rabbit

The correct answer is: Horse

The normal respiration rate for a horse typically falls within the range of 8-16 breaths per minute. This lower rate compared to smaller animals is attributed to the larger body size and different metabolic rate of horses. Larger animals generally have slower metabolic processes and thus a reduced respiratory rate. In contrast, dogs and cats generally have higher respiration rates, often ranging from around 10-30 breaths per minute for dogs and 20-30 breaths per minute for cats. Rabbits also have a higher respiratory rate, usually between 30-60 breaths per minute. This difference is primarily due to their size and specific physiological requirements, with smaller animals needing to breathe more frequently to meet their metabolic demands. Understanding the normal respiratory rates of different species is crucial for veterinary professionals, as deviations from these norms can indicate health issues that require attention.