From:
Katrina Ramsell
Date: 2011-09-11 17:06:40 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] HELP! Furosemide dosing for early cardiomyopthy?
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
3 lb 14 oz = 1.76 kg ferret
Furosemide dosage I use is usually 1-4 mg/kg (have had to go higher in very severe cases)
For this ferret using this dosage range, the amounts would be the following:
* Oral (10 mg/ml) - 0.18 ml - 0.7 ml by mouth (usually twice a day)
* Injectable (50 mg/ml) - 0.04 ml - 0.14 ml (I give it subcutaneously/under the skin) (usually twice a day)
Note: A U-100 insulin syringe can help you measure the very small amounts of injectable furosemide more accurately (0.04 ml = 4 units on a U-100 insulin syringe)
Note: many of them do not like the taste of the oral furosemide and the injectable can be given orally (e.g. hidden in food, but ferret must eat the whole dose)
Note: If oral furosemide is not effective, then changing to injectable may be more effective
* The amount of drug the ferret should receive should be calculated by the ferret's veterinarian. Animals can become extremely ill due to dehydration if too much furosemide is given and hydration is not maintained. On the other hand, if an effective dose is not given, then the ferret can have potentially life threatening problems due to too much fluid in places it shouldn't be (e.g. fluid in or around the lungs can cause difficulty breathing and potentially death).
Katrina Ramsell Ph.D, DVM
> To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
> From: mustelidmusk@yahoo.com
> Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 02:06:55 +0000
> Subject: [ferrethealth] HELP! Furosemide dosing for early cardiomyopthy?
>
> 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.
>
edited >
> Furosemide has been prescribed, but the dosing seems WAY TOO HIGH (typo on the label?) 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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