Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Core concepts
Candidates must know drug classes, mechanisms, common veterinary formulations, routes, and the vocabulary of dosing (mg/kg, mg/m², concentration vs. dose). Understand pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and how species differences change it - cats are poor glucuronidators, so acetaminophen and many NSAIDs are toxic; horses and ruminants differ in oral bioavailability. Know key antidotes (e.g., naloxone for opioids, atipamezole for alpha-2 agonists, acetylcysteine for acetaminophen), controlled-drug handling, and withdrawal times for food animals.
Traps
Questions love unit conversion and concentration math. Distinguish percent solution (1% = 10 mg/mL) from ratio (1:1000 epinephrine = 1 mg/mL). Watch for dose vs. total volume, and "per kg" vs. "per animal." Species-specific toxicity and the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic drugs are frequent distractors. Also separate adverse effect from contraindication.
Worked example / rule of thumb
Dose = (concentration needed) × (weight) ÷ (stock concentration). For a 10 kg dog needing 5 mg/kg from a 50 mg/mL vial: 5 × 10 = 50 mg; 50 ÷ 50 = 1 mL. Rule of thumb: 1% = 10 mg/mL; 1:1000 = 1 mg/mL. Always confirm the concentration on the label before calculating, and double-check decimal placement - a misplaced decimal is the most common exam error.
Study focus
Prioritize high-yield classes: NSAIDs, opioids, alpha-2 agonists, antibiotics (beta-lactams, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones), antiparasitics, and emergency drugs (epinephrine, atropine, lidocaine, dexamethasone). Know storage requirements and record-keeping for controlled substances.