ICVA - International Council for Veterinary Assessment Feline Pharmacology and Toxicology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A cat owner accidentally applies a flea and tick product containing a high concentration of permethrin, intended for a large dog, to their 5-kg cat.
Within hours, the cat presents with severe muscle tremors, hypersalivation, and ataxia.
Which of the following is the most critical initial step in managing this toxicity after stabilizing the patient's tremors?

Accepted Answer

Bathe the cat with a mild dish soap and lukewarm water.

Answer

Administer intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy.

Answer

Induce emesis immediately with apomorphine.

Answer

Administer a dose of N-acetylcysteine intravenously.

Question 2

A 4-year-old domestic shorthair cat presents with a 12-hour history of vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia. On physical examination, the cat is dehydrated, and palpation of the abdomen reveals enlarged, painful kidneys. The owner mentions receiving a bouquet of flowers yesterday. Ingestion of which of the following plants is most likely responsible for these clinical signs?

Accepted Answer

Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)

Answer

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Answer

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Answer

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Question 3

Which physiological characteristic is the primary reason for the increased sensitivity of cats to drugs like acetaminophen and certain NSAIDs?

Accepted Answer

Deficiency in hepatic glucuronidation pathways

Answer

Higher glomerular filtration rate

Answer

Increased plasma protein binding of drugs

Answer

Rapid acetylation of xenobiotics

Question 4

A veterinarian is considering prescribing meloxicam for postoperative pain management in a 3-year-old cat following an ovariohysterectomy. According to FDA guidelines in the U.S., what is the approved administration protocol for meloxicam in cats?

Accepted Answer

A single subcutaneous injection prior to surgery.

Answer

A three-day course of oral tablets.

Answer

A low-dose daily oral liquid for up to one week.

Answer

An initial injection followed by oral tablets for 5 days.

Question 5

A client calls in a panic stating they just saw their cat lick some antifreeze (ethylene glycol) that had leaked from their car. What is the most severe and life-threatening consequence of ethylene glycol ingestion in cats if left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Acute, irreversible renal failure

Answer

Severe gastrointestinal ulceration

Answer

Methemoglobinemia and Heinz body anemia

Answer

Central nervous system stimulation and seizures

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the primary toxic effect of acetaminophen in cats, distinguishing it from the toxicity seen in most other species?

Accepted Answer

Profound methemoglobinemia leading to impaired oxygen transport.

Answer

Severe hepatotoxicity leading to acute liver failure.

Answer

Cardiotoxicity resulting in arrhythmias and heart failure.

Answer

Neurotoxicity causing seizures and central nervous system depression.