Veterinary Pharmacology Complete
Study Manual — High-Yield Concepts
for Penn Foster Learners
100-Word Topic Description
Veterinary pharmacology focuses on the safe and effective use of medications in
animals, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Learners study drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses,
contraindications, toxicities, and legal regulations. Understanding
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics helps veterinary professionals ensure
proper dosing across species, prevent adverse drug reactions, and promote
animal welfare. Key concepts include antimicrobial stewardship, anesthesia,
analgesia, parasiticides, endocrine drugs, cardiopulmonary agents, fluid therapy,
and emergency drugs. Knowledge of extra-label drug use, withdrawal times,
controlled substance regulations, and species-specific sensitivities is essential for
clinical decision-making in veterinary practice.
5 Key Words
Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutics, Toxicology, Antimicrobials, Anesthesia
100 VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Correct answers marked with
1–10: Pharmacology Basics
1. What is pharmacokinetics?
A. Study of drug movement through the body
B. Study of drug effects on microorganisms
C. Legal regulation of drug use
D. Study of toxins only
,2. Which route has the fastest drug absorption?
A. Oral
B. Subcutaneous
C. Intravenous
D. Intradermal
3. Bioavailability refers to:
A. Drug purity
B. Portion of drug absorbed into systemic circulation
C. Drug shelf life
D. Drug storage requirement
4. First-pass metabolism occurs primarily in the:
A. Kidney
B. Liver
C. Lung
D. Pancreas
5. Which route avoids first-pass effect?
A. Oral
B. Intravenous
C. Intraperitoneal
D. Sublingual (in animals rarely)
6. A drug’s half-life is:
A. Time to be fully eliminated
B. Time for plasma concentration to drop by 50%
C. Time to reach peak effect
D. The drug's expiration period
7. The therapeutic index measures:
A. Drug potency
B. Drug safety margin
C. Dosage accuracy
D. Storage stability
8. A narrow therapeutic index means:
A. Safe in all doses
B. High risk of toxicity
, C. Long shelf life
D. Wide dose range allowed
9. Which organ is MOST responsible for drug metabolism?
A. Spleen
B. Liver
C. Kidney
D. Intestine
10. Which organ is the primary route of drug excretion?
A. Liver
B. Kidney
C. Pancreas
D. Lymphatics
11–20: Drug Administration & Calculations
11. The most accurate dosing form is:
A. Tablet
B. Liquid oral
C. Injectable
D. Topical
12. Which syringe is best for small-quantity dosing?
A. 10 mL
B. 6 mL
C. 1 mL tuberculin
D. 60 mL catheter-tip
13. A drug ordered at 5 mg/kg for a 10-kg dog equals:
A. 25 mg
B. 50 mg
C. 10 mg
D. 5 mg
14. Which route is unsafe for irritating drugs?
A. IV
B. IM
, C. SQ
D. PO
15. A controlled substance log must be kept for:
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 months
D. 6 months
16. The label “for veterinary use only” means:
A. Humans can use it
B. For animals, not humans
C. Requires no prescription
D. OTC only
17. Extra-label drug use in food animals requires:
A. Owner permission
B. Veterinarian–client–patient relationship
C. Store approval
D. FDA waiver
18. Which schedule has the highest abuse potential?
A. Schedule II
B. Schedule IV
C. Schedule V
D. Schedule III
19. Controlled drugs must be stored:
A. In any cabinet
B. In an unlocked drawer
C. In a locked secure cabinet
D. On open shelves
20. Withdrawal time refers to:
A. Drug's onset
B. Time before animal can enter food chain
C. Injection site healing
D. Drug expiration
Study Manual — High-Yield Concepts
for Penn Foster Learners
100-Word Topic Description
Veterinary pharmacology focuses on the safe and effective use of medications in
animals, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Learners study drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses,
contraindications, toxicities, and legal regulations. Understanding
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics helps veterinary professionals ensure
proper dosing across species, prevent adverse drug reactions, and promote
animal welfare. Key concepts include antimicrobial stewardship, anesthesia,
analgesia, parasiticides, endocrine drugs, cardiopulmonary agents, fluid therapy,
and emergency drugs. Knowledge of extra-label drug use, withdrawal times,
controlled substance regulations, and species-specific sensitivities is essential for
clinical decision-making in veterinary practice.
5 Key Words
Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutics, Toxicology, Antimicrobials, Anesthesia
100 VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Correct answers marked with
1–10: Pharmacology Basics
1. What is pharmacokinetics?
A. Study of drug movement through the body
B. Study of drug effects on microorganisms
C. Legal regulation of drug use
D. Study of toxins only
,2. Which route has the fastest drug absorption?
A. Oral
B. Subcutaneous
C. Intravenous
D. Intradermal
3. Bioavailability refers to:
A. Drug purity
B. Portion of drug absorbed into systemic circulation
C. Drug shelf life
D. Drug storage requirement
4. First-pass metabolism occurs primarily in the:
A. Kidney
B. Liver
C. Lung
D. Pancreas
5. Which route avoids first-pass effect?
A. Oral
B. Intravenous
C. Intraperitoneal
D. Sublingual (in animals rarely)
6. A drug’s half-life is:
A. Time to be fully eliminated
B. Time for plasma concentration to drop by 50%
C. Time to reach peak effect
D. The drug's expiration period
7. The therapeutic index measures:
A. Drug potency
B. Drug safety margin
C. Dosage accuracy
D. Storage stability
8. A narrow therapeutic index means:
A. Safe in all doses
B. High risk of toxicity
, C. Long shelf life
D. Wide dose range allowed
9. Which organ is MOST responsible for drug metabolism?
A. Spleen
B. Liver
C. Kidney
D. Intestine
10. Which organ is the primary route of drug excretion?
A. Liver
B. Kidney
C. Pancreas
D. Lymphatics
11–20: Drug Administration & Calculations
11. The most accurate dosing form is:
A. Tablet
B. Liquid oral
C. Injectable
D. Topical
12. Which syringe is best for small-quantity dosing?
A. 10 mL
B. 6 mL
C. 1 mL tuberculin
D. 60 mL catheter-tip
13. A drug ordered at 5 mg/kg for a 10-kg dog equals:
A. 25 mg
B. 50 mg
C. 10 mg
D. 5 mg
14. Which route is unsafe for irritating drugs?
A. IV
B. IM
, C. SQ
D. PO
15. A controlled substance log must be kept for:
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 months
D. 6 months
16. The label “for veterinary use only” means:
A. Humans can use it
B. For animals, not humans
C. Requires no prescription
D. OTC only
17. Extra-label drug use in food animals requires:
A. Owner permission
B. Veterinarian–client–patient relationship
C. Store approval
D. FDA waiver
18. Which schedule has the highest abuse potential?
A. Schedule II
B. Schedule IV
C. Schedule V
D. Schedule III
19. Controlled drugs must be stored:
A. In any cabinet
B. In an unlocked drawer
C. In a locked secure cabinet
D. On open shelves
20. Withdrawal time refers to:
A. Drug's onset
B. Time before animal can enter food chain
C. Injection site healing
D. Drug expiration
