How much furosemide can I give my cat?
Cats are more sensitive to furosemide than dogs. Clinically, cats commonly require no more than 1–2 mg/kg, PO, once to twice daily for longterm treatment of pulmonary edema. However, higher dosages may be needed in cats with severe heart failure because of reduced renal blood flow.
What are the side effects of furosemide in cats?
The most common side effect is an increase in urination. Other possible side effects include diarrhea or constipation. Serious side effects include weakness, collapse, head tilt, balance problems, electrolyte imbalance, lack of urine production, or a racing heart rate.
How long does it take 20 mg of furosemide to work?
Furosemide is a diuretic. It treats edema and high blood pressure by removing excess fluid from your body through your kidneys. The drug starts to work within an hour after you take it. And it takes about 2 hours for half of a dose of the drug to leave your body.
What is a furosemide 20 mg used for?
Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure.
When should I give my cat furosemide?
The mainstay of therapy for congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats remains furosemide. It is used intravenously or intramuscularly in cases of acute heart failure (or of acute decompensation) and chronically by an oral route.
What are the side effects of furosemide 20 mg?
This medication may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth/thirst, nausea, vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat.
How Long Can cats live with CHF?
In general, the average survival time after a cat has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure is 6 to 12 months. Cats that have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure will need frequent veterinary follow-up visits and additional tests may be performed in order to monitor the cat’s heart health.
How long should a cat take diuretics?
It is by far the most commonly used diuretic in veterinary medicine, and is one of the few drugs that are widely agreed upon to extend the duration and quality of life in cats with CHF. It is generally administered one to several times a day for the remainder of a cat’s life after diagnosis of CHF.
Can you crush furosemide for cats?
Yes, both can be crushed and put in/on a treat! If that’s not working, ask your vet about having a compounding pharmacy make those medications into liquids for you.
Should you euthanize a cat with congestive heart failure?
If the pet has a condition like congestive heart failure, or untreatable brain cancer — a disease that will, unchecked, lead to a painful death — the recommendation may be for euthanasia sooner instead of later.