Pharmacology Flashcards
Mechanism of action of Mannitol when used to decrease ICP
Mannitol is osmotically active, leading to a decrease in blood viscosity and reflexive vasoconstriction of arterioles within the CNS. If given too fast it has the opposite effect. Administration should be performed over at least 30 minutes
List four antibiotics that readily penetrate the central nervous system
Third generation cephalosporins
Fluoroquinolones
Metronidazole
Chloramphenicol
You are about to anesthetize a hyper thyroid patient but noticed that he is tachycardic and hypertensive. What drugs can you use for a few days before considering anesthetic induction in order to improve his anesthetic status? Give three examples and justify your answer
 “Metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities associated with hyperthyroidism make anesthesia risky; therefore cats should be made euthyroid preoperatively by administering methimazole (Tapazole) (Box 22.20). Generally, administration for 1 to 3 weeks before surgery is sufficient; however, measurement of the TT4 concentration should be repeated to ensure that it is within the normal range before surgery is performed (see comment on side effects earlier). If preoperative therapy with methimazole is not tolerated, propranolol, a β1- and β2-blocker, may be given for 1 to 2 weeks before surgery (see Box 22.20) to reduce the HR. Propranolol may be discontinued 24 to 48 hours before surgery because of its β-blocking effects, which may interfere with treatment of hypotension; however, this increases the risk of tachycardia and hypertension, especially at induction. Another preanesthetic choice would be to use metoprolol, a specific β1-blocker, and continue antihypertensive therapy until the morning of surgery. ”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-surgery-e-book/id1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
What is “thyroid storm“
“Thyroid storm is a condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone production due to excessive catecholamine release. Clinical signs of thyroid storm may include marked elevations in HR, blood pressure, and temperature, as well as cardiac arrhythmia and shock.”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-surgery-e-book/id1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
List three drugs known to cause splenic enlargement, as well as one opioid and one sedative known not to cause this issue
“Acepromazine, thiopental, and propofol have been shown to cause splenic enlargement; however, hydromorphone and dexmedetomidine do not. ”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-surgery-e-book/id1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
Why should Acepromazine be avoided In patients with splenic enlargement and DIC?
“Acepromazine should also be avoided in these patients because of the possibility of RBC sequestration, hypotension, and impact on platelet function. ”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-surgery-e-book/id1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
What antibiotics should you avoid in patients with kidney disease? Which antibiotic classes are concentrated in urine and whats their spectrum of activity?
Avoid aminoglycosides, tetracyclines (except Doxycycline) and sulfonamides
Penicillins and cephalosporins are concentrated in urine, And are effective against most gram-positive organisms. Second and third generation Cephalosporins also have enhanced gram-negative spectrum
Fluoroquinolones also have broad activity against aerobic gram- negative bacteria
What precaution should always be taken when administering enrofloxacin IV?
It should always be diluted 1:1 with Saline and administer very slowly
What are the advantages of vasopressin over epinephrine during CPR?
Epinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor which acts in all areas of the body including brain and heart, thereby decreasing perfusion in these organs.
Vasopressant is also a potent vasoconstrictor but acts predominantly in the periphery of the body (muscles), sparing cerebral and cardiac vasculature
What are the most common adverse effects observed after the administration of a cholinergic agent such as bethanechol?
SLUDGE-M
salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, G.I. distress, emesis, miosis. 
Phenoxybenzamine is frequently used to improve urination in pstients with recent (resolved) urethral obstruction. What is the mechanism of action in most likely adverse effect with this drug?
Adrenergic blocker (alpha one) on smooth muscle, promoting relaxation
Potent vasodilator. May cause prolonged hypotension. Used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease
Diazepam is occasionally used to improve urination in patients with urethral spasms. What is the mechanism of action? Why is this drug contraindicated in cats?
Benzodiazepines are CNS depressant that also promote muscle relaxation.
Idiopathic fetal hepatic necrosis has been reported in cats
Bethanechol is occasionally used in patients with urinary bladder atony. What is the mechanism of action? What are possible adverse effects?
Muscarinic cholinergic agonist, promoting detrusor muscle contraction
Highly contraindicated if urinary or a gastrointestinal tract obstruction is still present (may lead to rupture)
Can cause cholinergic adverse effects in sensitive patients (SLUDGE-M: Salvation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, G.I. distress, emesis, meiosis)
Cisapride is frequently used as part of the treatment for feline megacolon and to increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter in brachycephalic dogs. What is the mechanism of action? Are there concerns for colinergic adverse affects (SLUDGE-M)?
Cholinergic agonist
Adverse effects are minimal and rare
List 4 possible clinical signs associated with serotone syndrome
hypertension, hyperthermia, myoclonus, mental status changes
What are the two “class 1 anti-rhythmic drugs “commonly utilized in veterinary medicine?
 “class I antiarrhythmic drugs (i.e., lidocaine and procainamide).”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-surgery-e-book/id1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
What drug classes (give examples) are utilized for the treatment of Supraventricular tachycardia?
“Supraventricular tachycardia may require β-adrenergic blockers (e.g., esmolol, propranolol, atenolol) or calcium channel–blocking drugs (e.g., diltiazem) before surgery.”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-surgery-e-book/id1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
What drug combination is typically used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation? What alternative drug can be used if the initial approach fails?
“Atrial fibrillation should be controlled before surgery with a β-blocker or a calcium channel blocker with or without digoxin to lower the ventricular response rate to below 140 beats/min. Alternatively, amiodarone may be used to control the ventricular response rate, and in a small percentage of cases, to convert atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm.”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-surgery-e-book/id1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
Bradyarrhythmias are usually treated with anticholinergic agents (atropine or glycopyrrolate). How do you treat a bradycardia not responsive to these drugs?
“If bradycardia is not responsive to atropine or glycopyrrolate, temporary transvenous pacing or constant intravenous (IV) infusion of isoproterenol (see management of bradycardia on p. 828) may be required.”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-surgery-e-book/id1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
What is the most common adverse effect associated with IV lidocaine therapy when approaching the high end of the normal range (> 8 mg per kilogram)?
Seizures
What is the most common adverse effects associated with the use of intravenous benzodiazepines when utilized alone?
“Some patients may have an unpredictable behavioral response (e.g., excitation, aggressiveness) to benzodiazepine administration; therefore they are often used in combination with an opioid”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
Opioids can be used for the induction of anesthesia and very sick and compromised patients, but intubation can be quite difficult. Why?
“Opioids can be used for induction of very sick and compromised dogs; however, opioids do not induce hypnosis, so intubation may be difficult.”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Surgery E-Book
Theresa Welch Fossum DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-surgery-e-book/id1367916984
This material may be protected by copyright.
List the dose-dependent effects of dopamine, including which receptors are likely being stimulated at each given dose range
“The effects of dopamine may be dose related, with dopaminergic vasodilatory effects predominating at low dosages (1 to 3mcg/kg/min), β effects predominating at medium dosages (5 to 10mcg/kg/min), and α effects predominating at high dosages (>15mcg/kg/min)”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Critical Care Medicine
Deborah Silverstein & Kate Hopper
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-critical-care-medicine/id903782830
This material may be protected by copyright.
What is the expected clinical effect of dobutamine?
“Dobutamine is a synthetic analog of dopamine with strong β1-agonist activity as well as some effects on β2- and α1-receptors, but without dopaminergic effects. When dobutamine is given to critically ill humans,6,13 septic dogs7 (in the author’s experience), anesthetized dogs,8-10,14 anesthetized cats,12,15 and anesthetized foals,16,17 it generally causes modest vasodilation and a marked increase in cardiac output with little change in blood pressure.”
Excerpt From
Small Animal Critical Care Medicine
Deborah Silverstein & Kate Hopper
https://books.apple.com/us/book/small-animal-critical-care-medicine/id903782830
This material may be protected by copyright.