Acetaminophen Toxicity Veterinary Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and species-specific toxicities of acetaminophen in veterinary medicine.

Methemoglobinemia

A condition occurring 1-12 hours after acetaminophen ingestion, characterized by muddy/brown mucous membranes, dyspnea, weakness, tachycardia, facial/paw edema, and cyanosis.

Hemolytic anemia

A condition that follows methemoglobinemia within 72 hours, often presenting as Heinz body anemia and hemolysis.

Hepatotoxicity

Signs of liver failure, including hyperbilirubinemia and increased liver enzymes, occurring 24-48 hours after acetaminophen ingestion.

White filter paper test

A diagnostic test where affected patient's blood appears brown compared with normal patient blood.

N-acetylcystine (NAC)

A treatment administered as an IV bolus followed by repeated doses that binds toxic metabolites and supports the liver.

Glucuronidation

The elimination pathway cats lack, leading to an alternate pathway that breaks down acetaminophen into a toxic metabolite.

Cat toxic dose (Acetaminophen)

$$10-40\,mg/kg$$

Dog toxic dose (Acetaminophen)

$$>100\,mg/kg$$

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)

An acute condition involving dry eyes that dogs rarely develop following acetaminophen ingestion.

Ascorbic acid and SAM-e

Specific supportive medications used in the treatment of acetaminophen toxicity.

Enterohepatic circulation

The reason why repeated doses of activated charcoal (AC) are required during treatment.

Acetaminophen (Classic Case)

Toxicity that affects cats significantly more severely than dogs.