Jessica,

Lasix works primarily on fluid in the lungs. My Pepper (14-1/4 pounds) gets
60mg daily.

If there is fluid outside the lungs, then spironolactone works better.
Pepper was getting 12.5 mg spironolactone daily in addition to the lasix but
things changed and it wasn't working so they switched her to spironolactone
hctz - 6.25mg daily and that did the trick.


Sue


----- Original Message -----
From: "jessicahafetz" <jessicahafetz@...>
To: <feline-heart@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2006 11:40 AM
Subject: [FH] Jorge - Not responding to Lasix


> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have a few questions about my cat Jorge.
>
> Jorge does not seem to be responding to the lasix (12.5 mg 2x per
> day). He stayed overnight at the vet last weekend and they cleared
> his lungs (12.5mg injection into the muscle) and put him in an oxygen
> tank. Since three days after discharge he has started having trouble
> breathing again. We are diligent about giving him his meds and he is
> on the same dose that he recieved at the vet's. I am not sure why
> they were able to clear his lungs on the 12.5mg but we can't keep
> them clear on the same dose.
>
> I'm wondering how much lasix other cat's are on and what is
> considered a tolerable dose. He has exhibited no kidney problems to
> date and is scheduled for a check on Saturday, but I don't want to
> wait that long to bring him into the vet. (I'm taking him tonight or
> tomorrow morning). He is eating and drinking on his own, not as much
> as usual but he does want to eat. He is not going to the bathroom
> though, which is another reason that makes me think the lasix isn't
> working. He is mostly sleeping, but does still likes to play and
> chase my other cat around (always a delight for him... not so much
> for her!) Other than the labored breathing (50+ bpm; he was
> discharged at 40 bpm) I would be happy with his behavior.
>
> A complicating issue is his re-occuring herpes infection (upper
> respiratory infection) He suffered a relapse after being at the vet
> over the weekend and we are treating him with l-lysine and teramycin
> for his eye (2ndary bacterial infection that is related to the
> herpes). It is brought on by stress so I am trying to avoid
> stressing him any more than I have to.
>
> Unfortunately, it appears that my guy is one of those cats that is
> going to have a hard time, he has vasculature abnormalities, an oddly
> shaped valve plus the chronic UR infections. He is a very young cat,
> he should be two in Feb. I'm struggling with balancing his quality of
> life, the treatment/stress, and how much time he has left. I know
> there is no magic answer for what to do and when to do it. Sorry for
> the long post I think I just needed to get it out there.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jessica, Jorge(hcm)and Margarita
>
>