Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is the function of anti-inflammatory drugs in veterinary practice?

1. Calming animals

2. Killing parasites

3. Reducing inflammation, redness, and pain

4. Combating bacterial infections

The correct answer is: Reducing inflammation, redness, and pain

The function of anti-inflammatory drugs in veterinary practice is to reduce inflammation, redness, and pain. These medications work by inhibiting the body's inflammatory response, which can be triggered by a variety of conditions, including injuries, infections, and chronic diseases. By decreasing inflammation, these drugs help alleviate discomfort and improve the overall well-being of the animal. In the context of veterinary care, managing pain and inflammation is crucial for recovery and quality of life. Inflammatory conditions can lead to swelling and tenderness, which can hinder an animal's ability to move or function normally. Therefore, anti-inflammatory drugs play a vital role in both acute and chronic management of various ailments, from post-surgical recovery to conditions like arthritis. The other options focus on different therapeutic functions that do not pertain to the action of anti-inflammatory drugs. For instance, calming animals relates to sedatives or anxiolytics, killing parasites pertains to antiparasitic medications, and combating bacterial infections refers to antibiotics. Each class of drugs serves a distinct purpose, emphasizing the specialized roles they play in veterinary medicine.