Question 1

Drugs that "lyse" anxiety or decrease fear responses are called:

Accepted Answer

Anxiolytic drugs are specifically designed to reduce anxiety and decrease fear responses, which is what "lyse" implies in this context.

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter does acepromazine antagonize to decrease anxiety in both humans and veterinary patients?

Accepted Answer

Acepromazine is a dopamine antagonist, which means it blocks the action of dopamine in the brain, leading to its calming and anti-anxiety effects in both humans and animals.

Question 3

Which of the following classes of antidepressant medications function by modifying the activity of enzymes that are responsible for the biotransformation of neurotransmitters?

Accepted Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) function by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase enzymes, which are responsible for the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, thereby increasing their levels and activity in the brain.

Question 4

Plasma phenobarbital concentrations achieved with any given dose vary considerably from patient to patient. Therefore, the only way to ensure a dosage regimen is adequate is to

Accepted Answer

Checking blood levels of phenobarbital is the most direct and reliable method to ensure that the dosage regimen is adequate, as it directly measures the concentration of the drug in the patient's system. This allows for adjustments to be made based on the specific needs and response of the individual patient.

Question 5

Side effects of using phenobarbital to control seizure activity in dogs include

Accepted Answer

Phenobarbital, a common anticonvulsant used in dogs, can cause several side effects including ataxia (lack of coordination), polyuria (increased urination), and polyphagia (increased appetite).

Question 6

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer that, in contrast to phenobarbital which is used as a long-term anti-seizure medication, is instead used as an emergency IV drug for use during an active convulsion. All of the following are characteristics of diazepam except one. Which choice is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Diazepam, like other benzodiazepines, works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which has a calming effect. It is indeed subject to a significant first-pass effect when administered orally, and abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms. However, it is not a good choice for managing aggression in dogs, especially those controlled with obedience training, as it can sometimes cause paradoxical excitement or disinhibition, potentially worsening aggression rather than mitigating it.

Question 7

Over time, barbiturate use results in upregulation of the enzymes responsible for the drug's breakdown. This phenomenon is known as enzyme __________________.

Accepted Answer

Enzyme induction refers to the process where prolonged exposure to a drug leads to an increase in the production of enzymes that metabolize the drug, leading to a decrease in the drug's effectiveness over time. This is why barbiturate use results in upregulation of the enzymes responsible for the drug's breakdown.

Question 8

What is the general role of the neurotransmitter serotonin?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin is primarily known for its role in regulating mood, as well as other functions like sleep and appetite.

Question 9

There are several mechanisms of action for behavior-modifying drugs used in veterinary medicine. Which of the following is not considered one of these mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

Behavior-modifying drugs in veterinary medicine primarily focus on altering neurotransmitter dynamics, such as modifying their release, mimicking them, or changing their breakdown. Stimulating euphoria by binding to the µ opioid receptor is not a primary mechanism aimed at modifying behavior but is more related to pain management and analgesia.

Question 10

Phenobarbital induced hepatotoxicity:

Accepted Answer

Phenobarbital induced hepatotoxicity is idiosyncratic in dogs, meaning it occurs unpredictably and not due to the dose or duration of treatment.

Question 11

Clomipramine's FDA-approved indication is for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders in dogs. A more common use of clomipramine in veterinary medicine is for:

Accepted Answer

Clomipramine, while approved for obsessive-compulsive disorders in dogs, is more commonly used off-label to treat separation anxiety in dogs. This is because of its effectiveness in managing behaviors associated with anxiety.

Question 12

An uncommonly used unit of measurement that is often used in conjunction with barbiturates is the grain. What is the size in milligrams of a 2-grain phenobarbital tablet?

Accepted Answer

One grain is approximately equal to 64.8 milligrams. Therefore, a 2-grain tablet would be close to 129.6 milligrams, which rounds to the nearest option provided, 120 mg.

Question 13

Seizures generally originate from the brain but seizure activity can also arise from other causes. Veterinary technicians should always consider these other sources except:

Accepted Answer

Hypothermia is not typically a direct cause of seizure activity. Seizures are more commonly associated with conditions that directly affect the brain's function or metabolic state, such as hypoxia (lack of oxygen), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). Hypothermia, while a serious condition, does not directly cause seizures but can exacerbate other conditions that might.

Question 14

On an animal that is not responding particularly well to phenobarbital or the phenobarbital/bromide combination for long-term seizure control, all of the following drugs might be tried except:

Accepted Answer

Clomicalm (clomipramine) is primarily used for the treatment of behavioral disorders in animals, such as separation anxiety in dogs, and is not typically used for seizure control. Levetiracetam, gabapentin, and zonisamide are all medications that can be used for managing seizures in animals.

Question 15

What is primidone's primary mechanism of activity?

Accepted Answer

Primidone is metabolized into phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA), both of which contribute to its anticonvulsant properties. Phenobarbital, one of its metabolites, functions to stimulate the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which is a primary mechanism through which primidone exerts its effects.

Question 16

The drug of choice for managing seizures long term is an oral barbiturate that has the benefit of being relatively inexpensive while having an extensive half-life. What is this drug?

Accepted Answer

Phenobarbital is the correct answer because it is an oral barbiturate widely used for the long-term management of seizures due to its cost-effectiveness and long half-life.

Question 17

Phenobarbital used to control seizures has a well-established therapeutic range for dogs but dosages vary widely based upon:

Accepted Answer

The dosage of phenobarbital varies widely based on how the individual dog metabolizes the drug, as metabolism can significantly affect drug levels and efficacy.

Question 18

________________ is the term used to describe seizure activity that is prolonged and can result in positive feedback where muscle activity increases temperature and increase seizure activity.

Accepted Answer

Status epilepticus is the term used to describe prolonged seizure activity that can lead to a cycle of increasing muscle activity and temperature, which in turn can increase seizure activity.

Question 19

Three classes of antidepressant drugs used in human beings have also found use in veterinary medicine include all except:

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D) gamma (GABA) aminobutyric acid. GABA is not a class of antidepressant drugs but a neurotransmitter in the brain. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), tricyclic antidepressants (TCA's), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) are all classes of antidepressants used in both human and veterinary medicine.

Question 20

Which of the following is a property of potassium bromide?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is a property...

Quiz 9: Drugs Affecting the Nervous System: Anticonvulsants and Behavior-Modifying Drugs