Pharm overview test 2

• Glucocorticoids


  In veterinary medicine, used to treat a variety of conditions including inflammation, allergies, and immune-mediated diseases. They mimic cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Common veterinary glucocorticoids include prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone. They are used to manage chronic conditions like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and skin conditions. Long-term use can lead to side effects such as increased thirst and urination, immune suppression, and Cushing's syndrome.
• Mineralocorticoids


  Help regulate sodium and potassium levels in animals, influencing water balance and blood pressure. In veterinary medicine, synthetic mineralocorticoids like fludrocortisone and desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) are used to treat conditions like Addison's disease, where the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones. These drugs help maintain proper electrolyte balance and blood pressure.
• Epinephrine


  Used in emergency veterinary medicine for its rapid action in severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), cardiac arrest, and severe asthma attacks. It works by stimulating the heart, increasing blood pressure, and relaxing the muscles of the airways. Epinephrine is typically administered via injection during emergencies.
• Norepinephrine


  While less commonly used than epinephrine in veterinary practice, can be administered to manage certain types of shock and severe hypotension (low blood pressure). It works by constricting blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure and blood flow to vital organs.
• Releasing Hormones


  Control the release of other hormones from the pituitary gland. In veterinary practice, synthetic analogs of these hormones, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), are used to manage reproductive issues. GnRH can be used to induce ovulation in breeding animals or to manage reproductive disorders.
• Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)


  In veterinary medicine, ADH (also known as vasopressin) is used to treat conditions like diabetes insipidus, where the body cannot properly concentrate urine due to a deficiency in ADH. This hormone helps reduce urine output and manage water balance in the body. It is typically administered as an injection or nasal spray.
• Oxytocin


  Used in veterinary medicine to assist with labor and delivery by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also used to help expel the placenta after birth and to promote milk letdown in lactating animals. Oxytocin is administered via injection.
• Insulin

  Essential for managing diabetes mellitus in animals, a condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Various types of insulin (short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting) are used depending on the animal's needs. Insulin therapy requires careful monitoring of blood glucose levels to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Glucagon

  Used in veterinary emergencies to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially in diabetic animals receiving insulin therapy. It works by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, thereby raising blood sugar levels.
• Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)


  Crucial in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. In veterinary medicine, disorders of the parathyroid glands, such as hyperparathyroidism (overproduction of PTH), can lead to bone diseases and abnormal calcium levels. Treatments may include surgery, dietary management, and medications to control calcium levels.
• Melatonin


  Used in veterinary medicine to manage sleep disorders and certain behavioral issues. It is also used to treat conditions like alopecia (hair loss) in dogs and to regulate reproductive cycles in breeding animals.
• Growth Hormone (GH)


  Used in veterinary medicine to promote growth and manage growth hormone deficiencies. It can also be used to treat certain metabolic disorders. Synthetic growth hormone is administered to animals with growth deficiencies.
• Prolactin


  Primarily involved in lactation. In veterinary practice, prolactin levels are usually monitored rather than administered as a treatment. However, drugs that influence prolactin levels, like cabergoline, may be used to manage certain reproductive disorders or to terminate pregnancies.
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)


  Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. In veterinary medicine, synthetic ACTH is used for diagnostic purposes, such as the ACTH stimulation test, which helps diagnose adrenal gland disorders like Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)


  Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. In veterinary medicine, synthetic TSH is used to diagnose thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, by performing a TSH stimulation test to assess thyroid function.
• Thyroxin/Thyroxine (T4)


  A thyroid hormone critical for regulating metabolism. In veterinary medicine, synthetic thyroxine (levothyroxine) is commonly used to treat hypothyroidism in dogs, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Proper dosing is essential to manage the condition without causing side effects.
• Calcitonin


  A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood by inhibiting bone resorption (the breakdown of bone). In veterinary medicine, it may be used to treat conditions like hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) and certain bone diseases.
• Microorganism


  Tiny, often single-celled organisms that can only be seen under a microscope. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Some microorganisms are beneficial, while others can cause disease.
• Pathogen


  A type of microorganism that causes disease. In veterinary medicine, common pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can infect animals, leading to various illnesses.
• Opportunistic Microorganism


  Normally do not cause disease but can become pathogenic under certain conditions, such as when an animal's immune system is weakened. Examples include certain bacteria and fungi that take advantage of compromised health to cause infections.
• Bactericidal

  Antibiotics that kill bacteria. They are used to treat bacterial infections by directly eliminating the bacteria causing the disease. Examples include penicillins and cephalosporins.
• Bacteriostatic


  Antibiotics that inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria but do not kill them directly. This allows the animal's immune system to eliminate the remaining bacteria. Examples include tetracyclines and sulfonamides.
• Culture & Sensitivity (C&S)

  A laboratory procedure used to identify the specific bacteria causing an infection and determine which antibiotics are most effective against them. A sample from the infected area is cultured to grow the bacteria, and then different antibiotics are tested for their effectiveness.
• Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)


  The lowest concentration of an antibiotic that inhibits growth of a bacterium. Determining the MIC helps veterinarians choose the most effective antibiotic and the appropriate dosage to treat bacterial infections.
• Common Negative Side Effect(s) of Oral Antibiotics

  Gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Some antibiotics can also cause allergic reactions, changes in gut flora, and, in rare cases, more serious conditions like liver or kidney damage.
• Gram Positive Bacteria


  Have a thick cell wall that retains a violet stain during the Gram staining process. Common veterinary pathogens that are gram-positive include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. They are generally more susceptible to certain antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins.
• Gram Negative Bacteria


  Have a thinner cell wall that does not retain the violet stain but instead appears red or pink. They often have an outer membrane that makes them more resistant to some antibiotics. Common gram-negative veterinary pathogens include Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas species. Treatment can be more challenging due to their resistance mechanisms.