From:
Pam Sessoms
Date: 2005-11-23 18:24:31 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Prolapsed Rectum, Congestive Heart Failure & Medication Dosage?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Mary,
A couple of ideas for some of your questions.
> Heart Failure, our vet prescribed 5 mg Lasix twice daily and we are
> wondering if this dosage might be on the high side?
It's a little on the high side for a starting dose, but it's also not
being given very often. And of course it depends on the size of the
ferret. I think we usually started with 1 mg/kg and went up from
there, but you might need the higher starting dose if he's in serious
trouble right now. Many ferret formularies top out at 4 mg/kg, but
we've given larger doses than that and so have others; some ferrets
tolerate it and others do not. In my experience with a couple of CHF
ferrets, giving lasix more frequently (every 8, 6, or even 4 hours)
often turns the trick. It could be that once you get the fluid out of
his lungs, you could back off on frequency or dose. Anecdotally, the
ferrets in my house have also had much better luck with injectable
lasix than oral lasix in more advanced cases.
I guess in your case, if what you're doing is not working, I'd talk to
the vet about switching to injectable lasix for now and giving it more
frequently.
> What tests are normal to rule out CHF positively?
An ultrasound of the heart is probably the best way to go. It will
tell you if there are structural problems with the heart, like a valve
problem, or something like dilated cardiomyopathy. If his heart
sounds like it has an arrhythmia or is beating too slowly to too fast,
then an EKG will help too.
> What about CoQ10, how much is acceptable for ferrets, and should he be
> receiving anything else to help get him back on his paws?
CoQ10 is something that all my ferrets with heart problems have been
given. They usually get about 15 mg twice a day. They also get
taurine and l-carnitine and fish oil. We've also used hawthorn as a
supplement, but this one can definitely have side effects and
shouldn't be combined with some of the prescription meds, so caution
is warranted.
> Years ago we had a cocker spaniel with CHF who was on Lasix, Enacard, CoQ10, and
> Omega3, should Clyde be getting something similar, or all of these?
It depends on what his heart problem specifically is. There are other
meds too, such as digoxin, that can be helpful in some cases. My
cardio ferrets generally have wound up on really large amounts of
drugs and supplements, a lot like your cocker did. But you need to
get that heart ultrasound if you haven't already and possibly get your
vet to consult with a veterinary cardiologist or an experienced ferret
vet.
> The vet has not treated ferrets in over 25 years and seems to be
> unsure of his treatment regime. Anyone with suggestions on how to get
> this vet educated on ferrets as right now he is letting everyone know
> that he does not wish to treat ferrets?
I'm not sure of your exact situation, but maybe if the fellow does not
want to treat ferrets, there is someone else in your area that has the
desire to do so? It seems like if he doesn't want to treat them in
the first place, you're always going to be in the position of pushing
him, and that can be uncomfortable for both parties. If he's willing
to learn, you could also get him a copy of a ferret vet book with up
to date information (like the updated edition of Ferrets, Rabbits and
Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery by Katherine E. Quesenberry,
James W. Carpenter).
Best wishes,
-Pam S.
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