VET 406: PHARMACOLOGY, NUTRITION, TOXICOLOGY
MODULE 1: DRUG METABOLISM & PHARMACOKINETICS
- Absorption: oral, parenteral (IM, SC, IV), transdermal, inhalation
- Distribution: plasma protein binding, blood-brain barrier, volume of distribution
- Metabolism (Phase I-III): hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450), conjugation, biotransformation
- Elimination: renal (GFR-dependent), hepatic, biliary, pulmonary
- Bioavailability: oral vs parenteral, first-pass metabolism
- Drug interactions: enzyme inhibition/induction, protein binding competition
MODULE 2: SPECIES-SPECIFIC PHARMACOLOGY
- Feline metabolism: deficient glucuronidation (acetaminophen toxicity), poor sulfation
- Equine sensitivity: NSAIDs (phenylbutazone—bone marrow suppression), gentamicin toxicity
- Ruminant considerations: rumen metabolism of drugs, foregut fermentation effects
- Avian/reptile: rapid metabolism, unique dosing, lipid solubility importance
- Neonatal: immature liver/kidney function, altered drug metabolism, dose adjustment critical
MODULE 3: COMMON TOXICOSES
- Chocolate toxicity: theobromine/caffeine (methylxanthines) → CNS stimulation, arrhythmias
* Dark chocolate > milk chocolate (theobromine content: 100-600 mg/oz)
* Dose: 20 mg/kg mild signs, 40 mg/kg severe, 60 mg/kg lethal
* Treatment: decontamination, seizure control, cardiac monitoring
- Lilies (felines): nephrotoxicity (mechanism unclear), acute renal failure within 72 hours
- NSAIDs in cats: GI ulceration (no prostaglandin protection), acute kidney injury (hemodynamic)
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): metabolic acidosis, oxalate crystal deposition (kidneys/brain)
- Grapes/raisins: acute kidney injury in dogs (mechanism unknown; dose-dependent)
- Xylitol: hypoglycemia (insulin release), hepatic necrosis, thrombocytopenia
MODULE 4: NUTRITION & DIETARY MANAGEMENT
- Macronutrients: protein (essential amino acids, AAFCO standards), fats (omega-3/6), carbohydrates
- Micronutrients: vitamins (fat-soluble A/D/E/K, water-soluble B/C), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron)
- Nutritional requirements by species/life stage: puppies (growth), adults, geriatrics, pregnancy/lactation
- Therapeutic diets: renal disease (low protein/phosphorus), hepatic disease (quality protein), diabetes
- Obesity management: caloric restriction, exercise, dietary composition (higher protein reduces appetite)
- Malnutrition: protein-energy malnutrition, specific deficiencies (iron, B12, taurine in cats)
MODULE 5: TOXICANTS & ANTIDOTES
- Antidotes: acetaminophen (N-acetylcysteine), organophosphates (atropine, pralidoxime)
- Toxins: plants (yew, sago palm), heavy metals (lead, thallium), mycotoxins (aflatoxin)
- Poisoning management: decontamination (emetics, activated charcoal, gastric lavage), supportive care
- Common household toxins: medications (NSAIDs, benzodiazepines—reversed by flumazenil), cleaning products
- Aquatic toxins: blue-green algae (microcystin—hepatotoxin), salt water (hypernatremia)