Veterinary Technician National Exam Prep Notes

Key Topics Covered

  • Table of contents mentions the following drug categories:

    1. Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

    2. Sedatives and tranquilizers

    3. Anesthetic drugs

    4. Antiparasitic and antifungal drugs

    5. Antibiotics

    6. Respiratory drugs

    7. Cardiovascular drugs

    8. Gastrointestinal drugs

    9. Endocrine drugs

    10. Antidotes and reversals

    11. Veterinary knowledge

  • Color coding system for drug categories in the study guide.

Drug Categories and Their Key Drugs

1. Analgesics and Anti-Inflammatories

  • Mechanisms and specific drugs:

    • Short duration (1-2 hours): Analgesia/sedative.

    • Moderate duration (6-12 hours): Antitussive.

    • Common Drugs:

    • Butorphanol: opioid, pain and antiemetic use, toxic to cats, hepatotoxic to dogs at high doses (administer IV, IM, SQ, or PO).

    • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®): non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), pain, fever, antithrombotic, hepatotoxic in cats.

    • Fentanyl: pure mu opioid agonist, administered via IV or transdermal patch, used for pain management, effects in 15-20 min (IV) and 30 min - 2 hr (patch).

    • Key Notations:

      • Certain drugs like naproxen and carprofen are noted for specific toxicity or safety issues in cats and dogs.

    • Dexamethasone: corticosteroid for inflammation, not suitable for cats.

2. Sedatives and Tranquilizers

  • Common Drugs:

    • Diazepam (Valium®): benzodiazepine, commonly administered IV or PO, used as an anesthetic adjunct and seizure management.

    • Acepromazine: a phenothiazine tranquilizer for sedation (administered IV or IM).

    • Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor®): alpha-2 agonist, used for sedation, reversal with Atipamezole (Antisedan®).

  • **Clinical Implications:

    • Used primarily for reducing anxiety during veterinary procedures.

3. Anesthetic Drugs

  • Drugs in this category include:

    • Isoflurane: inhalant anesthetic for induction, moderate duration of action.

    • Propofol: rapid-acting anesthetic, provides induction, administered IV slowly to effect.

    • Key considerations::

    • Monitor for complications in patients with cardiac issues.

    • MAC values for inhalants vary for different species (e.g., MAC for dogs is 2.1-2.4%).

4. Antiparasitic and Antifungal Drugs

  • Common Drugs:

    • Ivermectin: option for heartworm and other parasitic control, contraindicated in some breeds (e.g., Collies due to MDRI mutation).

    • Metronidazole (Flagyl®): used as an antiparasitic and antibiotic, effective against Giardia.

    • Toxicity Risks: Note specific breeds that may be vulnerable to certain medications.

5. Antibiotics

  • Prominent Antibiotics and Their Use Cases:

    • Amoxicillin: broad-spectrum, used for various infections in canines and felines.

    • Cephalexin: cephalosporin effective against skin, bone, and soft tissue infections.

    • Doxycycline: tetracycline known for treating bacterial infections and some protozoal infections.

6. Respiratory Drugs

  • Key Drugs:

    • Albuterol: bronchodilator used in cases of asthma or bronchospasm.

    • Hydrocodone: used for cough suppression (Narcotic).

7. Cardiovascular Drugs

  • Notable drugs:

    • Enalapril: ACE inhibitor for managing hypertension and congestive heart failure in dogs.

    • Furosemide: loop diuretic to manage fluid overload and hypertension.

8. Endocrine Drugs

  • Common Hormones:

    • Insulin (various formulations): for managing diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats.

    • Levothyroxine: thyroid replacement for hypothyroidism.

Important Measurements and Values

Vital Signs

  • Systolic Blood Pressure (Dog): 90-140 mmHg

  • Diastolic Blood Pressure (Dog): 50-80 mmHg

  • Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) (Dog): 60-100 mmHg

  • Normal Pulse Rates:

    • Small breeds: 120-160 beats/min

    • Large breeds: 60-120 beats/min

    • Kittens: 220-260 beats/min

  • Normal Temperature Ranges::

    • Dogs: 37.5-39.2˚C (99.5-102.5˚F)

    • Cats: 37.8-39.5˚C (100-103.1˚F)

Lab Values

  • Packed Cell Volume (PCV):

    • Dogs: 25 - 45%

    • Cats: 30 - 45%

  • Blood Glucose (BG):

    • Dogs: 70 - 160 mg/dL

    • Cats: 60 - 120 mg/dL

Injection Techniques

  • Injection Angles:

    • Intramuscular (IM): 45° or deltoid muscle.

    • Intravenous (IV): 25° into large veins (e.g., jugular).

Drug Calculations and Formulas

  • Conversions include:

    • Dose (mg) = weight (kg) x dosage (mg/kg)

    • Volume (mL) = dose (mg) ÷ concentration (mg/mL)

    • Nutritional Requirements: RER (kcal) = 70 x weight (kg)