Furosemide

Furosemide is a diuretic used for its activity in all species.

Furosemide is used for the treatment of edema (pulmonary congestion, ascites) associated with cardiac insufficiency and acute noninflammatory tissue edema in dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. ²

Furosemide reduces the absoption of electrolytes in the kidneys by blocking reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending loop of Henle, hence its alternate name - loop diuretic. It increases renal excretion of water, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen, ammonium, and bicarbonate. ¹

Furosemide works rapidly to reduce pulmonary edema and other signs of congestive heart failure and therefore should be administered very carefully to animals that are dehydrated or in shock. ³

Side effects may include low potassium or sodium levels, weakness and shock. Potassium supplementation may be required. Animals who are receiving diuretics such as furosemide should always have free access to water.

References:
REF FILE 324-DAC