Message Number: SG9660 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Sue Liszewski"
Date: 2004-07-22 05:50:44 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Heart and Kidney problems
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <BAY15-F8hBa2aTGH1N900099f4b@hotmail.com>

I would consider Benazapril in place of amlodipine. The former is similar
to Enalappril but kinder on the kidneys. Also watch that potassium level
esp when on diuretics. If there is minimal to no improvement I would also
consider using digoxin, you just need to monitor it more carefully. When
starting a new drug like benazepril start every 48hours then if he does okay
you can go to every 24 hours. You could use both the benazapril and the
amlodipine as well, I have used them together in cats with kidney disease
and have had no trouble. It would be better until you get the benazepril to
the correct dose. If he does not improve with any of these options and
seems to worsen, think about quality of life and do what is best for him and
only you and he knows that. i think many times they will tell you when they
have just had enough. Hope this helps, and best of luck to you.
Dr. Sue

>From: "Ardith" <quilt4u@reno.quik.com>
>Reply-To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
>Subject: [ferrethealth] Heart and Kidney problems
>Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 13:13:40 -0700
>
>Buddy has been seen by 3 vets, one a cardiologist. I'm at the point of
>wondering if I'm doing the kindest thing for Buddy. I'll explain briefly
>the
>last few days, and post the vets findings. Perhaps one of the doctors here
>will have another suggestion.
>
>Age six?
>Bilateral adrenal last March
>Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and put on furosemide .25cc 10mg/ml a day.
>Symptoms worsened, dose now .3cc every 8 hours. Added Amlodipine 1/16 of a
>2.5 mg compounded dose SID
>
>The past 3 weeks Buddy has progressively worsened, rapid breathing,
>coughing, gasping in early morning hours. Prescribed nitro cream in the
>ear.
>This helps some.
>Recent ultrasound of his kidneys show one is dead, the other is struggling.
>
>These are the *off* blood values
>Albumin 3.2
>total protein 7.4
>globulin 4.2
>bun 67
>creatinine 1.7
>cholesterol 297
>glucose 68
>potassium 3.8
>WBC 2.5
>neutrophil seg 74
>lymphocytes 16
>monocytes 8
>eosinophil 2
>These values are from July 9, worsened from the June 19 test.
>
>All else is in a normal range.
> Blood pressure has remained around 145-148
>
>When I count his breathing here at home (asleep) he breathes about 51 times
>every 30 seconds. His whole body heaves.
>This morning he had what I think was an insulinoma episode. He was better
>after a little honey and soup.
>One vet wants to discontinue the Amlodipine and try Enalapril, another
>feels
>it will be too hard on the remaining kidney. I'm at the point of what's
>worse for my ferret, dieing from heart failure or kidney failure.
>Ardith
>
>
>
>
>
>--
>If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
>visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
>
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