From:
Pam Sessoms
Date: 2004-08-13 17:04:34 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] fluid buildup (in the abdomen)
To: ssiu@mud.cgl.uwaterloo.ca
cc: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <Pine.A41.4.44+UNC.0408131255001.49634-100000@login5.isis.unc.edu>
> I will ask my vet bout the injectable and spironolactone. I thought
> furosemide is a diuretic.
I can help clarify. I can vouch for injectable lasix (furosemide) working
much better for my guys with advanced cardiomyopathy than the oral
version.
Furosemide is indeed a diuretic; it's a very strong one. Spironolactone
is another diuretic that is milder and works differently in the kidney;
it also spares potassium while Furosemide causes loss of potassium. At
any rate, I'm not too sure it will help in this particular case, although
asking the vet is always for the best. Spiro is useful in heart disease
because of some other properties specific to heart failure, and the mild
diuretic effect also helps as well along with the lasix. Here is a page
about the use of spiro in congestive heart failure among humans (keeping
in mind that therapise for heart failure are always evolving and
changing):
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10124
I'm not aware of any ferret-specific research on this and can only say
that my vet added Spiro to the other meds based on discussion with an
excellent veterinary cardiologist. It has seemed to help a great deal in
conjunction with lasix.
So, anyway, not sure it'll be of use with your guy's case since it's not
heart disease you're dealing with.
> I think we may be going in for tapping this afternoon. at this point, it
> is just keeping him comfortable, but I have no idea how long he has, and
> keeping him comfy involve getting his fluid down.
Perhaps if the large fluid burden can be taken away with the tap, the
furosemide will be able to keep on top of it for awhile. You're in my
thoughts and you're taking wonderful care of him. Keep us posted!
-Pam.