Respiratory Drugs

Question 1

What is pulmonary oedema?

Answer 1

Lungs are full of fluid

• Not all alveoli filled
• Hypoxia
• • cyanosis
• • unconsciousness
• • death

1. Give 100% oxygen to maximise O2 in the blood
   - intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) and possibly positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP)
2. Give Frusemide diuretic gel to remove water from alveoli and into the blood
3. Increase alveolar ventilation
4. Other drugs

Question 2

What must you consider when giving oxygen to an animal?

Answer 2

To treat hypoxia

Avoid excitement
Avoid giving 100% O2 for > 4 hours
- use 50% O2 for long term treatment
Oxygen supports combustion!

Question 3

How do you treat upper respiratory (URT) problems?

Answer 3

• Treat the primary problem
• • if caused by virus nothing can be done
• Symptomatic treatment of secondary problem

Question 4

How do you treat upper respiratory (URT) inflamed mucous membranes?

Answer 4

• Corticosteroids

- Vasoconstrictors

Question 5

How do you treat upper respiratory (URT) excessive mucus production?

Answer 5

Vasoconstrictors

Question 6

How do you treat upper respiratory (URT) thick mucus?

Answer 6

Expectorants

Question 7

How do you treat upper respiratory (URT) coughing?

Answer 7

Antitussives

Question 8

How do you treat RAO (COPD)?

Answer 8

• Bronchodilators
• Corticosteroids
• Cromoglycate (prevents release of inflammatory chemicals e,g, histamine from mast cells)

Question 9

Describe the general drugs given for respiratory system…

Answer 9

Antibiotics: for infections - stops secondary bacterial infections after viruses

Expectorants: loosen and remove mucus

Codeine and butorphanol: stop unproductive coughing

Oxygen ( and sometimes diuretics): fluid in the lungs