Exam 2 - Liver Toxins Flashcards
what is phase I of drug metabolism? what is the product?
oxidation - many drugs use cytochrome p450 for this
metabolites are the product
what are common hepatotoxins we see affecting companion animals?
sago palm, xylitol, amanita mushrooms, aflatoxins, & blue green algae (microcystin)
what are some potentially hepatotoxic drugs?
acetaminophen, phenobarbital, sulfa drugs, lomustine, carprofen, azole drugs, & herbal remedies
what is the general approach you should take for a patient presenting with acute liver injury?
clinical signs are usually very severe - need to identify cause & prevent further exposure
biopsy not typically performed - these animals are at risk for developing acute liver failure
T/F: metabolites of drugs oxidized by cytochrome p450 in the liver is more toxic than the original drug form
true
why is the liver susceptible to oxidative damage?
positioned between systemic circulation & sphlanic vessels
responsible for handling xenobiotics/drugs
has a lot of resident macrophages
what liver pathology does amanita mushrooms cause?
hepatonecrosis!!!!!
what animals are especially susceptible to acetaminophen toxicity?
cats
__________ & _______ are both dose-dependent toxicities affecting the liver of companion animals
acetaminophen & phenobarbitol
why are sulfa drugs potentially hepatotoxic?
idiosyncratic drug reactions in dobermans & other short coated breeds - think twice before giving!!!
what should you give alongside lomustine chemo? why?
denamarin & SAMe - lomustine is damaging to the liver
what breeds should you think about prior to giving them carprofen? why?
labs - breeds that are especially susceptible to chronic hepatitis
what is the leading cause of drug induced liver injury in humans?
herbal remedies
what are some signs that an animal with acute liver injury has progressed into acute liver failure?
increased bilirubin, coagulopathies, & hepatic encephalopathy
what are some aspects that go into preventing/reducing exposure to the agent causing liver injury in companion animals?
induce emesis/lavage - if within the time period
+/- activated charcoal - only if they are conscious!!!! will decrease & prevent absorption
+/- enemas - need to consider intrahepatic circulation
+/- cholestyramine (cyanobacteria, cycad)
what is the antidote for amanita toxicity?
silymarin or penicillin G
what is the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity?
n-acetylcysteine (antioxidant)
what is the point of giving an acute liver injury patient lactulose?
if hepatic encephalopathy is present - can measure NH3 to make this decision
when may you need to add electrolytes & glucose to iv fluids for a patient with acute liver injury?
if liver failure is present!!!
what are the primary toxins of sago palms? what is the pathogenesis?
azoglycosides - seed is the most toxic part
converted to methylazoxymethanol by the gi microbiota
enterohepaticaly recirculated - causes gi & hepatic toxicity
2 other neurotoxins - cause seizures, ataxia, weakness, & tremors
when is the incidence of cycad toxicity highest?
in the spring - when seeds are out & about
when are clinical signs seen with cycad toxicity? when are lab changes seen?
clinical signs - 4 to 24 hours after ingestion
clin path changes - liver dysfunction, typically 24 to 72 hours after ingestion
what are some negative prognostic factors for cycad toxicity?
ALT > 125 U/L at presentation
thrombocytopenia
worse clinical signs at the time of presentation
what is the prognosis of cycad toxicity?
12-50% mortality