From:
"jen"
Date: 2011-09-11 02:06:55 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] HELP! Furosemide dosing for early cardiomyopthy?
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi,
I need some help with dosing of Furosemide for a ferret that may have mild cardiomyopathy.
Case History = 5 yr old late alter male (3 lbs. 14 Oz) with new (as of a couple of days ago), acute-onset dry hacking cough (alarmingly loud honking!). Side view X-Rays showed a mild haze in the lungs, heart may be slightly enlarged heart. X-ray series taken with a barium swallow - x-rays show no sign Blockage Ferret is still active, but feels crummy (lowered energy level, "hiding behavior" Reduced activity (but still plays before tiring after 20-30 minutes. Reduced appetite but still eating/drinking on his own. Great poops since isolated monitoring commenced after the x-rays. No fever - has cold wet nose.
Tentative diagnosis and treatment = mild dilated cardiomyopathy. Possible mild inflammatory? bronchitis (slightly more hazing around the bronchial tubes in the x-rays) The ferret has been on clavamox for two days with no apparent improvement in coughing. Appetite is not as god since beginning the Clavamox.
Furosemide has been prescribed, but the dosing seems WAY TOO HIGH (typo on the label?) after I reviewed some info on the web. (I had given one dose as prescribed. Approx. 2 hours later, the ferret's gums/membranes seemed pale with crummy capillary refill time. It has been 4.5 hours since the furosmide was adminiterd, and the feret is still active, eating drinking - color looks better too.
Other health history info n case it's needed...
He has elevated "adrenal activity", which is assumed to be mild since he has had only "behavioral symptoms" of over-grooming his siblings - and he gets itchy. He has had 2 of the 4.7 Deslorelin implants over time. He is overdue for his third implant now. I've been giving the 4.7 implants every 6 months, and all 4 o my kids (late alters) show some break-through during these 6-month periods.)
My new vet does not have a long history treating ferrets, but he has a strong interest in learning more about ferret medicine. He does engage help via the web and shows a lot of promise. But since he is not a yet a truly seasoned ferret vet, I know that I need to do my homework. Any solid veterinary advise will be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks,
- jennifer
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