For both dogs and cats, furosemide is a frequently prescribed medication. Being a diuretic, it aids in the body’s elimination of extra fluid. It is frequently used by veterinarians to treat ailments in pets such as kidney problems, lung fluid accumulation, and heart failure.
The way this medication functions is by making your pet pee more frequently. It can assist in lowering heart pressure and reducing swelling in the lungs or other regions by eliminating excess water. Furosemide is an effective medication, but even so, it’s crucial to use it under a veterinarian’s supervision because, if not taken properly, it can lead to dehydration and other side effects.
This article will discuss the conditions that furosemide treats, how to use it for dogs and cats, and things to look out for while your pet is taking this medication. Knowing how this medication works will help you take better care of the health of your pet.
- Furosemide: features and indications for use
- Release form
- How to take
- When the drug is contraindicated
- Possible side effects
- Special instructions
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Furosemide: features and indications for use
Furosemide is a member of the loop diuretic class of medications, which interfere with the way sodium and chlorine ions are absorbed without directly affecting kidney function. It is based on an active ingredient with the same name, furosemide, which, upon entering the body, changes into glucuropide and is subsequently eliminated by the body on its own. The product has additional chemicals and ingredients that help with drug absorption in addition to the active ingredient.
Usage guidelines
- arterial hypertension;
- renal dysfunction;
- liver cirrhosis;
- oncological diseases;
- severe poisoning and intoxication;
- pulmonary edema;
- heart failure.
Furosemide can also be used to treat any illness that results in soft tissue edema and fluid retention.
For informational purposes only! Other names for furosemide are Salix and Lasix, which are its exact equivalents and can be used interchangeably in therapy.
For dogs and cats, furosemide is a medication that is frequently used to help reduce fluid buildup brought on by illnesses like heart disease or kidney issues. As a diuretic, it increases urination, which aids in the removal of extra salt and water from pets’ bodies. Pet owners should always carefully follow the veterinarian’s dosage instructions and keep an eye out for any negative effects, such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, even though it can be helpful in treating these conditions. It’s critical to have your pet examined on a regular basis to make sure the medication is administered safely and effectively.
Release form
- Tablets. White tablets have an oval, slightly flattened shape, packaged in cardboard boxes of 10 and 25 pieces. Each of them contains 40 mg of the active substance.
- Solution. Transparent injection solution with a yellowish tint, the concentration is 5%. Sold in pharmacies in glass containers of 50 and 100 ml.
Furosemide solution is administered intramuscularly and intravenously.
How to take
A veterinarian determines the dosage, schedule, and other aspects of using furosemide. For cats, the average dosage of the active ingredient is 0.5–0.6 mg when given intramuscularly and 5–6 mg per kilogram of weight when taken orally. These amounts rise to 8–10 mg per kilogram of weight for dogs when given as oral tablets and 0.7–1 mg when given as injections.
Once daily, 30 to 40 minutes prior to meals, tablets are taken; the injection schedule is customized for each patient. Treatment shouldn’t go on for longer than ten days. The features of furosemide use may vary depending on the animal’s condition and the severity of the disease, but it is strictly advised not to increase or decrease the dosage without first seeing a veterinarian.
Furosemide takes 15 to 30 minutes to start working after taking tablets, and it lasts for 6 to 8 hours. The effects of intramuscular drug administration become apparent after 5–10 minutes and last for 1.5–2 hours.
Take note! The medication must be taken as prescribed; otherwise, the therapeutic effect will be diminished. In the event that this occurs, you must take a pill or administer an injection as soon as possible and follow the doctor’s recommended course of treatment.
The veterinarian determines the drug’s dosage and course of treatment.
When the drug is contraindicated
- severe liver and kidney dysfunctions (especially those accompanied by anuria);
- myocardial infarction;
- stenosis of the aortic or mitral valve;
- urolithiasis;
- disorders of metabolic processes or water-salt balance;
- comatose state;
- allergic reactions;
- decreased potassium levels in the body;
- individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Our website has an article that explains allergies in dogs in further detail.
The active ingredients in furosemide can cross the placental barrier and end up in breast milk, which is why pregnant and nursing women are not advised to take it. The medication may be prescribed in the second half of the childbearing period if absolutely necessary.
The medication is taken cautiously and in small doses if you have diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, or chronic intestinal conditions.
Pregnant women should not use this medication.
Possible side effects
- disorders of the central nervous system (lethargy and drowsiness or, conversely, strong excitement);
- disorders of the digestive tract – diarrhea, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting;
- dehydration, severe thirst;
One of the negative effects of furosemide is increased thirst.
- hearing impairment;
- characteristic tilt of the head;
- decreased urine volume;
- increased heart rate.
Crucial! Furosemide side effects might go away on their own, but it’s best to see a veterinarian and switch to a different medication if they worsen or are noticed for an extended length of time.
Special instructions
Strict adherence to the veterinarian’s dosage recommendations is required to produce the intended therapeutic effect. The medication is administered as usual, however it is not possible to combine the solution with another medication in the same syringe. All medications, with the exception of gentamicin, cardiac medications, and cephalosporin antibiotics, can be taken with furosemide.
It is not possible to combine the solution with other medications in one syringe.
Monitoring kidney function and the body’s concentration of sodium, potassium, and other minerals is necessary for cats and dogs receiving treatment because these minerals are washed out along with excess fluid.
Long-term treatment is best avoided because the drug can cause changes in blood composition and other serious pathologies with prolonged use. If the medication isn’t having the desired therapeutic effect, you should speak with your veterinarian and get a different one.
Since furosemide primarily treats symptoms rather than the underlying cause of renal failure in cats and dogs, a comprehensive approach to treating the disease is required instead of relying solely on diuretics.
It is imperative that you strictly adhere to your doctor’s instructions when taking the medication.
Furosemide has a two-year shelf life; however, that is shortened to 28 days after the bottle containing the solution is opened. The medication needs to be kept out of the reach of children and animals in a dark location with a temperature that doesn’t go above 25 degrees. The solution should be stored in an open bottle in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees.
Take note! When animals use furosemide, they urinate more frequently and produce more urine, which is normal and shows that the medication is having the desired therapeutic effect.
| Aspect | Details |
| Medication Use | Furosemide helps remove excess fluid in dogs and cats, often used for heart and lung conditions. |
| Dosage | Dosage varies by size, health, and condition. Always follow vet"s recommendation. |
| Side Effects | Common side effects include dehydration, increased urination, and electrolyte imbalances. |
| Administration | Usually given as a tablet or liquid, but injections may be required in urgent cases. |
| Monitoring | Regular vet check-ups are needed to adjust dosage and check kidney function. |
Furosemide is a medication that can be helpful for treating certain kidney problems, edema, and heart failure in both dogs and cats. It aids in the reduction of fluid accumulation, which can enhance breathing and general comfort in animals.
It does, however, have possible adverse effects, just like any medications. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for any changes in your pet’s appetite, behavior, or electrolyte imbalances, as well as dehydration. Before adjusting a dosage or treatment plan, always get advice from your veterinarian.
Ultimately, even though furosemide has certain advantages, it is crucial to give your pet regular checkups and use the medication correctly to keep them comfortable and healthy during their use.
