CCAT Pain Management and Pharmacology 2

Question 1

Which opioid receptor subtype is primarily responsible for spinal analgesia in companion animals?

Accepted Answer

Mu (μ)

Answer

Mu opioid receptors are the primary mediators of spinal analgesia and are the main target of most clinically used opioids.

Question 2

A dog recovering from orthopedic surgery shows signs of wind-up pain. Which pharmacological class best addresses central sensitization?

Accepted Answer

NMDA receptor antagonists

Answer

NMDA receptor antagonists like ketamine directly block the glutamate receptors responsible for central sensitization and wind-up pain.

Question 3

Gabapentin is classified pharmacologically as:

Accepted Answer

An alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligand

Answer

Gabapentin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release.

Question 4

Which route of tramadol administration in cats is LEAST effective due to poor oral bioavailability of the active metabolite O-desmethyltramadol?

Accepted Answer

Oral

Answer

Cats have limited ability to convert tramadol to its active metabolite O-desmethyltramadol via CYP2D6, making oral dosing less effective than parenteral routes.

Question 5

During rehabilitation, a therapist notices a patient is on long-term corticosteroids. Which concurrent medication is CONTRAINDICATED due to high risk of gastrointestinal ulceration?

Accepted Answer

Meloxicam

Answer

Combining corticosteroids with NSAIDs like meloxicam dramatically increases the risk of GI ulceration and hemorrhage.

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Pain Management and Pharmacology 2