Diuretics question

[prairiegirl]

My 11-yr old BC with heart disease has been on furosemide for quite awhile. Unfortunately, it is no longer able to keep up with the fluid buildup in his abdomen.

 

My vet and I have discussed the possibility of switching him to spironolactone.

 

I'd appreciate any input regarding the pros / cons of this diuretic, or suggestions of other options you've found to be effective.

[Liz P]

This is really a discussion you need to have with your vet. That said, some dogs will need to take both. Are you working with a cardiologist?

[rushdoggie]

My (non BC) CHF dog was on both and also took Vetmedin (Pimobendenan) which seemed to help a lot.

[prairiegirl]

_{I took him to a cardiologist for the initial ultrasound / diagnosis, but use my local vet for ongoing treatment (it's an 8 hr. roundtrip to see the specialist). He's also taking Vetmedin and enalapril, which I agree, help a lot!}

 

_{The part that confusing me is that, from my reading on the internet, I was under the impression that spironolactone was given in addition to furosemide, like you've both mentioned. But when I discussed it with my local vet, she talked about using it as a replacement for the furosemide. Guess I need to do some more checking.}

 

[Liz P]

If you have seen the cardiologist within the last year, s/he should be able to discuss the case with you on the phone and answer your questions.

[BCjetta]

Mine was on vetmedin, benazepril and furosemide. Before the cardiologist she was just on the benazepril. The cardiologist actually doubled her regular dose of benazepril, and we started with 20mg furosemide once a day and by the end I was giving 40-60mg twice a day to try and control it on their advice. I only saw them once for the heart but did discuss things with them after that.

My dog was different from yours though in that the fluid built up in her lungs instead of abdomen. We learned in school which sided heart failure did what but I can't remember right now...