Azathioprine cannot be used in which animal?

Azathioprine cannot be used in which animal?

• A. Dogs
• B. Cats
• C. Horses
• D. Rabbits

Answer: (B)

Azathioprine is a purine-analog immunosuppressant whose active metabolites disrupt DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, like those in the bone marrow. Cats have a markedly higher risk of severe bone marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity from azathioprine due to their unique metabolism and limited ability to detoxify the drug and its metabolites. This makes the drug unsafe for feline patients, even at doses tolerated in dogs. In dogs, it is used with careful monitoring; horses and rabbits are typically managed with different immunosuppressants. So, the safest and most accurate conclusion is that azathioprine cannot be used in cats.

Azathioprine is a purine-analog immunosuppressant whose active metabolites disrupt DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, like those in the bone marrow. Cats have a markedly higher risk of severe bone marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity from azathioprine due to their unique metabolism and limited ability to detoxify the drug and its metabolites. This makes the drug unsafe for feline patients, even at doses tolerated in dogs. In dogs, it is used with careful monitoring; horses and rabbits are typically managed with different immunosuppressants. So, the safest and most accurate conclusion is that azathioprine cannot be used in cats.