Lasix Fluid Medication Posts

Lasix Fluid Medication Facts

Lasix Fluid Medication Facts in Q&A

Why does my partner retain so much fluid? My partner who weighs without the fluid around 120kg and 6ft was dignoised with heart/ kidney problems he at the moment weighs 180kg. He has been for a kidney check up and they have passed that all test are fine. He has been to the heart specialist which they did a ECHO test and have put him on many of medications. Lasix 120mg of frusemide, Bicor 10mg. They have restricted this fluid intake to 600mls but he finds he is always trusty so he's drinking around 11/2 ltr's a day and having very little salt. I find myself getting very frustraed with him beacuse he can't do anything with the fluid in his way. Pls help

aer_rn replied: "Go back to the kidney doctor if his fluid intake is causing him to be unable to do normal activities. He might need more lasix or his kidney failure is progressing and he may need to start dialysis."

Samantha replied: "I always thought that you retained fluid if you were not drinking enough water. What happens normally is that if you don't drink enough water your body automatically starts to store fluid which causes you to retain water. So drinking enough water is very important. However, if that isn't happening maybe you should try alternative medicine. I have seen an irridologist for quite a number of health problems and I find them very reliable. Hope this helps :)"

linda replied: "unfortuantely, this is an ongoing problem. My mom who has heart disease is on 160 mils of lasix , plus aldactone. She weighs in different every day. everything you eat has some salt, and reducing your intake of fluids is only half the battle. Its going to be a rough road. i take care of my mom and this has been going on now 10 years"

Sunny replied: "He is retaining fluid because his heart is not pumping the fluid in his body effectively and so it is backing up. Most likely right now it is backing up into his legs- I'm guessing he has a lot of ankle swelling. It is very important that he stick to his 600ml limit- otherwise more and more fluid could collect and eventually back up into his lungs. This is called pulmonary edema (fluid on the lungs) and makes it very difficult to breath. Try having him drink smaller portions of water or even sucking on ice to keep his mouth moist without going over the limit. It is also important to continue seeing the kidney doctor because if his kidneys start to fail the lasix will not be effective. Hope this is helpful."

iluvtorofl replied: "Is he lying down a lot to help drain the fluid and rest his heart? Retaining fluid is just part of kidney disease. That is a huge dose of Lasix, so he must have a lot of retention. Many cardiologists do restrict fluid intake, but some people don't think it really matters if the problem is this severe. His heart is failing. It is a severe problem. Don't be angry or frustrated with him. Just make memories now. Don't fight or argue. Honestly, no fluid restriction will solve this, so don't be too upset. OK? Enjoy the time you have now while you can. Do not be upset with him because the day will come when you regret it. If his heart is failing this severely, salt is not going to make it that much worse and neither will drinking water."

How can I get my very sick cat to drink and eat? My 10 yr old cat became very sick last week. She was diagnosed with a serious & relatively rare heart disease: arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. She came home from the vet on Thurs night. Today is Sun. Her prognosis is not good, but it's possible that her condition can be managed for a time with medication, lasix to reduce fluid & enalapril to lower blood pressure so her heart doesn't have to work as hard. This is helping as her breathing seems ok, but she is not eating or drinking & of course is very lethargic. She drank some water on Thurs & maybe on Fri, but I have not seen her drink anything since then (today is Sun). She ate a very, very small amount on Thurs & Fri, but has not eaten since. I've tried a variety of wet foods, tuna, baby food. She may be dying and there may be no option other than putting her to sleep, but I know there is absolutely no hope if she doesn't get any food or water on top of a weak heart. Any tips for getting her to eat or drink? Thanks. I should have mentioned that I am in contact with the vet, and there is nothing they can do except force feed her, which think would be too stressful. They will not give her fluids because a problem with heart disease is accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity. That's why she is on the lasix, which is a diuretic to slightly dehyrdrate her. Which wouldn't be a problem if she was still drinking. I'm hoping someone has been successful at getting a sick cat to eat and drink and can share how they did it.

PamV replied: "I would call the vet as soon as you can - you're right that she will be in big trouble if she dehydrates. There may be another issue at hand keeping her from eating (infection, fever) or she may already be dehydrated which would make her too lethargic to eat or drink. I would get her to the vet and inquire about an IV to hydrate her and see if that helps. Good luck to you and your kitty. I hope she's feeling better very soon."

The Big Shot replied: "I would call the vet."

Murphyboy replied: "Get a syringe (the kind the vet gives you for giving liquid meds.) and give her water that way. You could also water down some soft foods and administer some food that way. Don't force it if she absolutely refuses, or she may choke, but a little at a time might just do the trick. Usually when animals are ill, just like people, food is the last thing they want. But, water they definitely need!"

dutch replied: "Call your vet right away! You may be able to administer fluids, use appetite enhancers (from the vet) or discuss comfort care options with the doctor. Please do not wait!"

old cat lady replied: "I am so sorry to hear your cat is so ill. I know you must be stressed and worried about her. Cats will sometimes take to baby food - chicken and turkey. It must NOT contain any ONION or garlic powder. I think the Gerber's Stage Two is just the meat with no additives. You can do that this weekend. Feed her from your finger in small amounts throughout the day and before bedtime. Your vet will also have a Hill's canned food called a/d. That is one of the few cat foods made with pork and is very rich. It is better to use that long-term as it has taurine added which the baby food does not. Both foods have plenty of moisture so she will not need to drink water if she doesn't want it."

KatieS replied: "You can give your cat Children's Pedialyte for dehydration, but as for eating, if your cat isn't at all, you'll probably have to force feed her with a syringe. Call your vet, and ask them for the mix that they can provide to force feed animals."

Needmorelove replied: "I am concerned that your cat is not drinking or eating and is currently on Lasix. Lasix is a diuretic that causes increased water loss from the body into the urine. That is why animals who are on Lasix tend to urinate more and need to make up for this water loss by drinking a lot more. If they don't drink to replace the water loss they can get dehydrated very quickly which leads to less blood supply to the rest of the organs in the body and can potentially lead to organ failure. Also cats that don't tend to eat after a period of time can develop a liver condition called hepatic lipidosis which can cause additional problems. If you are looking for other options other then putting her to sleep I would recommend having your veterinarian refer her to a specialty practice that has 24 hour care and having her hospitalized. Many specialty practices have the capability of placing a special catheter that allows them to monitor and adjust how much fluid pressure they are giving the cat therefore allowing the cat to receive intravenous fluids without overloading the heart. Also a feeding tube can be placed as well to allow her to get adequate nutrition (usually does not require any sedation at all) usually through the nose (nasoesophageal tube) until she feels well enough to eat on her own. I would be concerned about trying to force feed her because many cats can tend to develop a food aversion because of it. That would be the best option in my opinion if you wish to try to get her better. I wish you luck and I hope all goes well"

kitkat replied: "Go to this website. . Once there, do a search on Transfer Factor. It is a suppliment that boosts people and pets immune system over 400% to allow their own bodies to heal themselves. I just ordered it and can't wait to get it. You can read the testimonials of people that have used it on that website too. Good luck!"

luvasnowyday replied: "My heart goes out to you. My son a cat I had to have put to sleep 2 years ago I did all I could to keep him with me. I drained juice off canned food he drank that.I spent thousands trying to keep my beloved friend alive., He also had a rare cancer. He puffed up I had the fluid drained by the vet which I regret. It kept him alive another week. He drained ater the hole was inserted for days. He layed in my lap and gave a meow I will never forget I knew then I had to let him go. That was 2 years ago and still hurts. A friend took him to his final breath for me which I also regret my son meowed a sad meow when I put him into her arms. My experience can only say if your loved one is hurting the most loving thing you can do IF there is no hope let him go. I had my son Cat cremated and the vet put his paw print in plaster he as I type is sitting next to me. My heart goes out to you."

portarico2007 replied: "i'm very sorry to hear about your cat, i can only imagine how difficult it must be for you. i guess the only thing you can do at this point is to make her as comfortable as possible, give her extra attention, continue with meds and just encourage her to eat and drink a little. maybe she still does'nt have an appetite. i hope she feels better soon. good luck to you."

My ankles and legs swell very badly and was wondering some of the causes. I take a fluid pill................ I'm taking a medication called Lasix, and if anything, it's getting worse. What are some things you can do to help with it besides medications?

stinger replied: "If you are taking lasix,we are in the same boat.I have been taking lasix for 10 years now and It's not such a great thing to do every day is it?It seems to go along with either Diabetes or Congestive heart failure but I know that my heart is fine so Its tied into my Diabetes. It sure takes a lot of time out of your day.But if you don't take it That presents other problems.If it is getting worse for you then you must get back to your doctor.Dont let it go on like that.Because you must get the fluids out of your body.Please don't delay."

fred replied: "ankle swelling usually happens for 3 common reasons, as well as other ones; 1)heart troubles,2)kidney trouble and 3)liver disease all these problems end up with your body holding on to salt from your food. salt in your body is distributed all over and holds onto water. Swelling is most often caused by your body taking up too much salt when the liver, kidney or heart is sick. lasix is meant to help your kidneys dump the salt and when the salt goes into the urine the water is supposed to follow and you pee more. 1)cutting down on the salt in your diet would help. 2)make sure that what ever underlying problem that caused the swelling in the first place is not getting worse 3)lie down with your legs elevated a bit and make sure that the water in them can flow right to your heart so there is not a place, like your butt, for it to pool when you lift your legs. try this for an hour maybe 4 times a day. 4)tell your doctor the lasix is not working since the dose has to get adjusted often when starting this medicine, also you need a blood test within a week of starting lasix or changing the dose because you lose pottasium and magnesium (other salts) and if they get too low heart troubles can start. Like bad heart rhythms. He should also check you kidney function to make sure the lasix is not making it sick. the doctor should have had you get a follow up appointment five to seven days from the time you started lasix."

Stephanie replied: "well, two things come to mind...congestive heart failure or liver disease (or both). ask your doctor!"

Are plasma transfusions indicated for a patient with nephrotic syndrome? he has acquired nephrotic syndrome due to the anticonvulsant medication given to him (he has brain cancer and is going through chemo and radio). He won't excrete more than 2cc a time and is being given Lasix. Doctors came up with the idea of giving him fresh plasma transfusions to help him with the fluid retention. Isn't this against indications?

Steve B replied: "prob ok............"

Is there any new medications for dogs with congestive heart failure? 7 yr old, fox terrier was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and is on lasix and enalapril. He fills up with fluid and is very uncomfortable! Is there any new meds out there!?

sacmen4fun replied: "Your vet is doing all he/she can. I had a yorki diagnosed with CHF and with those meds lived for 1 more year."

Why will my cat not eat or drink and gags when I bring the waterbowl nearby? My cat was recently diagnosed with CHF. He has fluid around his heart and lungs and was on medication. I have taken him to 2 diff. vets. When giving the diuretic he became severely dehydrated and now he is on IV to replenish the fluid and that is now gathering around his h&l. The lasix (diuretic) has taken the fluid from his h&l and now it is in his stomach. He will not eat or drink anything. He is constantly gagging and I told this to both vets which they replied he is nauseated . They have not taken and xray of his head or throat. I am thinking there is something caught in there. I don't want my cat to die of starvation & dehydration and it has been 7 days now. I was giving him eyedroppers of water but he gags and has had two seizures. He was perfectly healthy 1 1/2 weeks ago. He is not an outdoor cat (only during supervision) so I know no one poisoned him. He has owned me now for 10 years and was the most playful of all my boys. Is it time to say goodbye or hold onto hope? sob,sob..

JeN replied: "I am dearly sorry, but it is unlikely there is something 'caught' in the throat. Your cat is unable to swallow due to the fluctuating pressure on the trachea (from the fluid in the chest) and the result is gagging. Unfortunately, CHF is only treatable SOMEtimes. It is never curable, and will always claim the life of its victim eventually. If it were my cat, I would say goodbye and give him an easy, painless passing. My condolences, I know it's hard."

marvincld replied: "I dont know what is going on with your cat but I think that you should get it to the vet asap before it gets dehydrated.....Hurry!!!!"

hotvw1914cc replied: "This might sound odd but a vet told us to do it an it worked. Give him some butter milk with a small amount of olive oil in it. the butter milk sooths his tummy an olive oil keeps him from being constipated. Our vet is a country vet, treats all pets an farm animals, country vets learn neat tricks to help animals. Good luck an hug kitty for me. Virago Jim = A siamese an alley cat owner."

tammy f replied: "maybe it has a hairball."

Karin D replied: "sorry you're having such hard times. I think you should take him to a cardiac specialist. ask your vet for a referral ."

Patty O replied: "Love and prayers to you and your baby. I have a cat that is in renal failure and give IV fluids to keep the kidneys hydrated. If she becomes the least bit dehydrated, she becomes very nauseated too. Does he try to drink from the waterbowl? If so, try elevating it so he doesn't have to lower his head so far. I have mine elevated about 4 inches (food plates, too) and this has helped her eat and drink more comfortably. Don't give him tap water. Get bottled water (I use bottled spring water), so it doesn't have the chemicals tap water does. Change the water often so it tastes fresh. Lasix is a very strong diuretic, maybe the dose needs to be adjusted to better flush the excess fluids without dehydrating him. Talk to the vet and if you are not happy with their responses, seek the advice of another vet. If he has just been diagnosed, he should be treatable. What about other meds for the heart problems. Is he taking anything? Does he have any other health problems? If he was healthy only a week ago, I would believe he would be a good candidate for treatments. It is so hard to see a baby you have had and loved for so long be so sick. My heart goes out to you and I hope you soon find what makes him feel better. Please find a vet that will work with you and answer your questions and concerns. Purrs and prayers."

joan a p replied: "It might be time to say goodbye but not too soon. Get a vet's opinion about the outcome of treatment and if he thinks there is a chance. It has been sick a very short time and sometimes animals can make remarkable recoveries overnight. Don't give up hope but don't fight it if the end is coming and there is no cure."

Congestive Heart Failure / Dialysis - Life Expectancy - is dialysis worth it? My father had a massive heart attack in his 40s then again in his 60s...he is now 72, lives in an assisted living facility and takes NUMEROUS medications. From the fluid issues, lasix, bumex, etc. his kidneys are failing badly. His doctors told him he should begin dialysis - he has gained 30 lbs in 2 months from his edema issues. He has had very little quality of life for the past 8 years, and i'm not sure whether he shoudl start dialysis. His wife died 10 yrs after his first heart attack from breast cancer and he has never thought about anyone else. He is a terribly depressed person - and angry. i just dont know what to do. if he decides to forgoe dialysis what kind of life expectancy can he expect if the doctors have told him his kidneys are functioning now at 25% or less. I understand the edema could end up being the biggest issue and he could die of pneumonia, but honestly he is reasy to pass on to be with my mother and has been for years. thank you

countrysweetheart replied: "My heart goes out to you and him. If he fails to take Dialysis, it could be very quickly for him. I'm not saying it would be pleasant though! I think he should go through with it though. He's 72 now, and with the health problems he has who's to say the man upstairs won't take him soon anyway. But, that's not for us to decide, encourage him to go on Dialysis."

KNAPSACK replied: "Dialysis can be a lifesaving treatment. But sometimes the burden of dialysis becomes too great — especially if complications develop or health deteriorates. Complications vary, Anemia, Fluid overload, High potassium levels, and Infection. Coping with depression can also be a challenge. But, effective treatment is available that can minimize symptoms and improves a person's ability to function. I hope the included link helps answer some of your questions."

Tim P replied: "Unfortunately, no one of sound mind can have treatment forced upon them, and some people choose not to pursue or continue with dialysis, if they feel that they have already lived a long and fulfilled life. However, this decision should be a well informed decision made by your father in consultation with his family and renal health care team. Palliative care would be available to ease the pain, if he chose not to pursue dialysis. Usually renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation), is started once kidney function drops to 15%, which is based upon how well metabolic wastes are removed from the blood. A person with renal failure (eng-stage renal disease) can pass in as little as a week or two without dialysis. It is hard to be specific, as each individuals case would be different, so a nephrologist would have all the information available to best make such a determination. Your father should have a renal social worker available. You may want to talk to that person and/or have them talk to your father. For dialysis, one really has to be a willing participant. As a patient is there on their own choosing, willing to make a commitment with lifestyle changes. If your Father has put on 30 lbs of water weight that can be removed through successive treatments, but he is going to have to limit his fluid intake. Removing lots of fluid at each dialysis session can be quite painful/uncomfortable for some people."

How to know when it's time for euthanasia? I've had my cat for 12 years, she's 14. She's my baby, which makes this even harder for me. About 5 days ago, she started losing weight, so I made an appointment for the vet. The appointment was yesterday and I didn't get the best of news. She has fluid in her lungs, as well as in her abdomen. Her liver is enlarged, which is causing her to have jaundice. He said to try a few different medications first (steroids for her breathing, lasix for the fluid retention, and antibiotics to reduce the size of her liver) since she's still eating, but they're not working (I've given them to her twice a day, as directed). Sadly, if they haven't worked yet, they're most likely not going to work. She's some-what lucid; she struggles to walk, but she meows and purrs at me when I pet her. Whats making this even harder is that she still knows who I am, she's happy when I'm near her and she still looks up at me when I shake her treat jar. Her breathing is rapidly decreasing though; her respiration rate is 51 as of now, and the average for a cat is 28. My family thinks I'm cruel for letting her suffer, but I still have hope that the meds might work, even if it's false hope. I have another appointment at 12:30pm today, so I'll find out if there's anything more that they can do. But most likely, euthanasia will be suggested. This kills me, since this cat means more to me than anything. I just don't know what to do, any help?

Angelic Vampiress replied: "You know your kitty better than anyone else. If you feel that she is uncomfortable, in pain, or that her quality of life isn't where it should be, then it may be time to consider euthanasia. The greatest kindness we can do as pet owners is to end our friend's suffering. They give us so much over the years in love and friendship. It sounds like your kitty has had a long, happy life and I'm sure she is very grateful for that."

Jenner replied: "in the past i have found that i always knew when it was time to let my pets go and i think you will too. it is good that you are doing what u can to try to make her better but if the vet tells you that he doesnt think her outlook is good then its best to let her go so she wont suffer anymore. spend some time with her saying goodbye and take comfort in the fact that you are ending all of her pain. i think its the greatest gift we can give our pets to let go and end their pain even though it causes us such heartache. its such a selfless act. you know in your heart that she has had a happy life and you will know you have done the right thing by her."

Orlee replied: "Since I have been through this similiar situation more than once , I know the pain you too are struggling with right now. The most recent time was about 11 months ago. I was getting ready to move and I kept hoping she would hang in there at least until I could get into my new place. She was 11 years old so I knew her health issues weren't gonna get better. Finally, a few days before I moved , I came to realize that the move itself would probably kill her. I couldn't let my Michaela suffer anymore, so I had her put down. I still cry for her once in a while, but I take comfort knowing that I didn't let my darling suffer through anymore pain. Animals aren't able to let us know how much they actually hurt, we have to use common sense. I could give other examples of very difficult decisions I have had to make with pets over the last 5 years. It's heartbreaking every time, but it has to be done - I have dearly loved every elderly cat I have had to put down, but I loved each one too much not to do what is right . I will pray that you will get the courage needed to do the right thing for your darling. It's what a good "mommy" would do."

Has anyone had experience with medications treating canine congestive heart failure? My nine-year-old pomeranian is on a combination of the medications Enalapril, Lasix, and Terbutaline. She is receiving top veterinary care, but I am interested to know of any personal experiences with these specific meds for congestive heart failure in their dog. My pom has been on the meds for approximately four months. Her initial symptom was an alarming cough and panting which prompted me to bring her in. They subsequently detected a heart murmur. After an ultrasound and chest x-rays the enlarged heart and fluid in her lungs revealed the cause; congestive heart failure. Thank you for the info on Pimobendan Nandina. My dog is already in the treatment of a veterinary cardiologist in the best veterinary hospital in the USA. We are increasing her Lasix for these next two weeks, but if there is not enough improvement, she will begin a new med. I believe that her doctor did say it will be Pimobendan. I am worried to the point of having my own heart attack over her condition, so any info helps. I have to watch her like a hawk when I give her her pills. She is a tricky little one. Unfortunately she does not know how vital her meds are for her. Rachel I am so sorry about your little cat. My son's math tutor fosters kittens for the our local Animal Care and Control. She is keeping one because he has a bad heart murmur and when she brought him in when he was ready to be adopted they were going to put him down if she didn't take him. This is a no-kill shelter as well!!! I hope your kitty gets better.

Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) replied: "Talk to your vet about Pimobendan (Vetmedin). My dog started out on Enalapril and Lasix, but when the vet added the Pimobendan, it made a HUGE difference. It was approved for use in the US last May, so your vet may or may not have experience with it yet. I highly recommend checking it out. (from 2006 - it has been approved in the US since this article was published)"

Rachel M replied: "My 7 month old cat has a Very bad heart murmur as bad as it gets.She might be in heart failure also.She did not grow right she is 7 months old 3.8!!She is on Lasix she takes 1/4th of a pill twice a day.I love this cat and it is so hard too see her like this!! I mean she is only 7 months old and came from a bad home!!She was so bad before the Lasix that she had a VERY hard time breathing she would make noise when she breathed but after the meds she can breath alot better!! I hope your dog is ok!! Good luck, Rachel"

Help me with my Dog!? My 10 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been coughing really bad. I thought she was getting old and had fluid on her lungs, but now I think she may have aspirated water. She likes to attack moving streams of water. She has been on several medications including lasix. But her doctor is telling me a specialist may be needed. any ideas how to help her?

sillygoose replied: "get her the specialist? stop letting her chace water?"

tlctreecare replied: "It sounds like your dog has some serious problems. Why is she on Lasix? Does she have cadio myothopy? She could also have heart worm. There are dozens of things that could be wrong and if your vet says she needs specialist he must want her to have help from some who knows more about something specific than he does. GOod luck with her."

jon_and animal_lover replied: "if you keep her in a kennel and she does not have her kennel shots (very cheap) then she might have kennel cough. you need to get a secialist right away do not wait. but if he or she cannot help and says the dog is suffering then you have to make the hard choice of putting her down. please do not make her suffer any longer there might be a cure but catch it while you can"

kkgirl03 replied: "my boxer does the same thing, attacks the hose, but she has never coughed for more then a couple minutes. If her cough has lasted for a while then you should take her in to the specialist. I hope she gets better."

romance_german_shepherds replied: "have your vet check her for congenital heart disease before calling in a specialist"

Mommy Pit replied: "I would get her to the specialist."

whofan1992 replied: "Mabye put the old dog down,or just pay for the meds some other way."