Pharmacology & Treatment — Animal Health (Comprehensive Study Notes)

Preventative measures

Actions taken before animals get sick to reduce disease risk and severity.

Biosecurity

Practices to keep diseases out and limit their spread in animal populations.

Closed herd/flock practices

Limiting new animals to reduce pathogen introduction.

Quarantine

Separation of new arrivals and sick animals to break transmission routes.

Cleaning and disinfection

Cleaning removes organic matter; disinfection kills microbes.

Vaccination programs

Using vaccines to train the immune system to respond to pathogens.

Boosters

Additional vaccine doses required to maintain immunity.

Parasite control

Management practices to reduce internal and external parasite loads.

Strategic deworming

Systematic treatment of parasites to prevent resistance.

Nutrition

Good feeding practices that support immune function and overall health.

Environmental management

Practices that influence health outcomes by reducing stressors.

Isolate if contagious

Separate sick animals to prevent the spread of disease.

Assess severity

Determining if a situation is stable, urgent, or an emergency.

Supportive care

Measures such as warmth and hydration that support recovery.

First aid

Immediate care provided until veterinary treatment is available.

Primary assessment

Evaluating life-threatening conditions (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).

Shock

Inadequate tissue perfusion resulting in organs not receiving enough oxygen.

Inventory principles

Understanding drug storage, expiration, and proper usage.

ADME

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion - how drugs behave in the body.

Withdrawal period

Time required after the last medication dose before animals can enter the food chain.

Good first aid reduces medication needed

Prompt care can minimize complications and further treatment.

Aseptic technique

Methods used to prevent contamination during medical procedures.

Quality assurance

The process of ensuring that correct procedures are followed in medical administration.

Monitoring after administration

Observation for adverse effects following treatment.

Five Rights

Right animal, Right drug, Right dose, Right route, Right time in medication administration.

Common first-aid mistakes

Focusing on minor injuries while missing life threats, unsafe restraint.

Storage practices

Specific ways to keep drugs stable, including temperature and light protection.

Log records

Documentation required for compliance, especially in food animals.