Pharmacokinetics in Practice
What does ADME stand for in pharmacokinetics?
absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
Which heart chamber pumps blood into the pulmonary artery?
right ventricle
What neurotransmitter is released at parasympathetic postganglionic nerve terminals
acetylcholine
What does “One Health” emphasize
interconnection health of people, animals, and the environment?
What device narrows and shapes the X-ray beam to limit exposure?
collimator
Which administration route provides 100% bioavailability
intravenous (IV)
Which species has elliptical (oval) red blood cells instead of round
camelids
Which type of muscle is striated and under voluntary control
skeletal muscle
Which zoonotic disease is transmitted by raccoons and can cause neural larva migrans in humans
Baylisascaris (raccoon roundworm)
What does kVp control in radiography
quality/penetration power and contrast of the image
What is the difference between first-order and zero-order drug elimination?
first-order = constant proportion eliminated, zero-order = constant amount eliminated
What is the function of pulmonary capillaries?
gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
What type of conduction occurs in myelinated axons and is faster than continuous conduction
saltatory conduction
Which agency must veterinarians report rabies cases to in the United States
state health departments and the CDC
What are the three principles of radiation safety (TDS)
time, distance, and shielding
A dog is given a highly protein-bound drug while suffering from hypoalbuminemia. What clinical effect might you expect and why?
There will be an increase in the free drug concentration, leading to enhanced drug effect or toxicity, because fewer albumin molecules are available for binding
A cat presents with dyspnea and a grade III/VI murmur. Radiographs show left atrial enlargement. What is the most likely disease, and how does it affect cardiac function
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which reduces ventricular filling and increases diastolic pressure, leading to pulmonary congestion
A horse presents with hindlimb ataxia. Neuro exam suggests a spinal cord lesion. Which tracts are most likely affected, and how does this explain the signs?
proprioceptive tracts (dorsal columns and spinocerebellar pathways), leading to loss of limb coordination and ataxia?
A shelter puppy presents with diarrhea, potbelly, and vomiting worms. Fecal exam confirms Toxocara canis. Explain the zoonotic risk and prevention strategies
human visceral/ocular larva migrans; prevention includes routine deworming, fecal checks, sanitation, and public education
A young Labrador with lameness is radiographed. The veterinarian increases kVp to improve penetration but notices low contrast. Why does this occur, and how to fix it
higher kVp lowers contrast by increasing scatter; correction is lowering kVp and adjusting mAs
A Collie presents with ivermectin toxicity. Explain the role of the MDR1 (P-glycoprotein) mutation in this case
a mutation in the MDR1 transporter prevents efflux of ivermectin across the blood-brain barrier, causing neurotoxicity
A hypertensive dog develops retinal detachment. Explain the pathophysiological link
systemic hypertension increases afterload and vascular damage, causing bullous retinal detachment and vision loss
A cow sustains trauma to its brachial plexus during calving. Which forelimb functions would be impaired, and why?
paralysis or weakness of the forelimb due to loss of motor innervation (radial, median, ulnar nerves), impairing extension and weight-bearing
During a community fair, people develop gastroenteritis from undercooked poultry. Which pathogens are most likely, and what veterinary interventions prevent recurrence
Salmonella and Campylobacter; interventions include food safety inspections, cooking standards, and biosecurity in poultry farms
A technician worries about cancer risk after repeated radiography exposure. Differentiate deterministic vs stochastic effects
deterministic = severity increases with dose, has a threshold (e.g., cataracts); stochastic = random, no threshold (e.g., cancer)