ICVA Feline Pharmacology and Toxicology 2

Question 1

Which analgesic is contraindicated in cats due to glucuronidation deficiency leading to hepatotoxicity?

Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Cats lack adequate UGT1A6 glucuronyl transferase activity, making acetaminophen highly toxic due to accumulation of reactive metabolites causing methemoglobinemia and hepatic necrosis.

Question 2

What is the mechanism by which permethrin causes toxicity in cats but not dogs?

Accepted Answer

Cats have more sensitive sodium channels in neurons

Answer

Cats have inherently more sensitive neuronal sodium channels to pyrethroid insecticides, and also lack sufficient glucuronidation capacity, resulting in prolonged excitatory nerve firing.

Question 3

A cat presents with hypersalivation, muscle tremors, and hyperthermia after flea treatment. Which toxin is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Permethrin

Answer

Permethrin from spot-on dog flea products causes pyrethroid toxicosis in cats with classic signs of hypersalivation, tremors, seizures, and hyperthermia.

Question 4

Which opioid is most commonly used in cats for perioperative analgesia due to its partial agonist properties and lower abuse potential?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine

Answer

Buprenorphine is widely used in feline perioperative analgesia; its partial mu-agonist activity provides effective pain relief with a ceiling effect that reduces respiratory depression risk.

Question 5

What is the recommended treatment for permethrin toxicosis in cats?

Accepted Answer

Bathing, IV fluids, diazepam or methocarbamol for tremors

Answer

Treatment involves washing off the product, IV fluid support, and muscle relaxants such as diazepam or methocarbamol to control tremors and prevent hyperthermia.

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

ICVA Feline Pharmacology and Toxicology 2