From:
ferretkrazi
Date: 2001-12-12 11:39:00 UTC
Subject: Re: lasix question
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Claudia Johnson"
<barnyardtravellers@h...> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a question regarding my friends' ferret (she doesn't use a
computer).
> Her ferret has congestive heart failure and has been placed on
lasix ( .05
> ml 2x/day). SHe was concerned about the loss of electrolytes as it
is a
> diuretic. I thought I saw on one of the lists that there was
something she
> can give to offset this loss. Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Claudia Johnson
> Oxford Ferret REscue
Hi Claudia,
Yes, you need to be mindful of an electrolyte imbalance when a ferret
is on lasix. That's a relatively small dose (same dose that my
Tigger is on twice daily) and my vet recommended I provide a bowl of
fresh pedialyte to him if it seemed like he wasn't drinking enough
plain water. Doc said that if he is eating and drinking normal, his
electrolytes should balance themselves without worry.
Our situations may be different and since I'm not a vet, it would be
a good idea for your friend to ask her treating vet. I know that
when we first diagnosed Tigger's CHF, we ran bloodwork and chest
films. Then we rechecked a month later to make sure electrolytes
were balanced, etc. They were a little off, so Doc put him on
Florinef daily also. (Expecially since he'd had a bilateral
adrenalectomy already.) That helped balance his electrolytes and
from there, everything was fine.
Just from my experiences, I would suggest that she talk to her vet
about offering Pedialyte and recheck the electrolyte levels in a
month to see where they stand. In the meantime, if her ferret starts
acting "off" - doesn't want to play, loses desire to eat and drink -
get the ferret in to the vet. Dehydration occurs more quickly for
ferrets who are on lasix and decide they don't want to drink
anything. Dehydration will also further imbalance the electrolytes.
Please give her my best regards...
Sincerely,
Erin