ICVA Feline Pharmacology and Toxicology 5

Question 1

Which fluoroquinolone antibiotic is associated with retinal degeneration and blindness in cats when given at high doses?

Accepted Answer

Enrofloxacin

Answer

Enrofloxacin causes dose-dependent acute retinal degeneration in cats, particularly at doses above 5 mg/kg/day; the feline maximum dose is 5 mg/kg/day.

Question 2

What is the mechanism of toxicity of organophosphate insecticides in cats?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase causing cholinergic excess

Answer

Organophosphates irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, causing accumulation of acetylcholine at synapses leading to muscarinic (SLUDGE) and nicotinic signs.

Question 3

A cat presents with mydriasis, tachycardia, and hyperthermia after chewing a plant. Which plant is most consistent with anticholinergic toxidrome?

Accepted Answer

Jimsonweed (Datura)

Answer

Datura species contain tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine) causing anticholinergic syndrome with mydriasis, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, and hyperthermia.

Question 4

Which route of administration results in the highest oral bioavailability of buprenorphine in cats?

Accepted Answer

Buccal/transmucosal

Answer

Buprenorphine has high bioavailability (>70%) via the buccal transmucosal route in cats due to the alkaline feline oral pH (~9), making it practical for outpatient pain management.

Question 5

Which cardiac glycoside-containing plant causes severe bradycardia and heart block if ingested by cats?

Accepted Answer

Oleander

Answer

Oleander contains cardiac glycosides (oleandrin) that inhibit Na/K-ATPase causing life-threatening bradycardia, arrhythmias, and AV block similar to digoxin toxicosis.

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

ICVA Feline Pharmacology and Toxicology 5