My cat has heart failure. Why won't he eat or drink after Lasix?

It could be a side effect or it could indicate the fluid is still in his chest. I recommend to call his veterinarian who can advise you best. They may want to examine Frodo again or they may recommend a medication adjustment or even something to help the stomach. I hope this helps.

Oh no! This sounds very serious and the Lasix alone probably isn't enough to control her symptoms. If she is this sick you should definitely take Roxy back in to the vet to perhaps up her dose of Lasix (there is often a wide range that you can give pets until symptoms resolve) or give her actual heart medication. If the heart is not addressed directly (with medications), then no matter how much Lasix you give, the lungs will continue to fill with fluid due to the direct relationship that is shared between the heart and lungs. This website link discusses the use of both Lasix and heart medications (Enalapril) together in pets with signs of congestive heart failure, which is likely Roxy's condition. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=537

No, loss of appetite is not a side effect of lasix. I'm not sure what the vet gave Pheobe antibiotics, you need to ask the vet why they were given. If she's not eating in the morning, take her back into the vet.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Odie isn't feeling well. The heart on the x-rays is very big, so treatment for the heart disease is a good idea. One of the medications given typically with heart disease is a drug called Furosemide, and this usually makes them drink and pee a lot. Other medications for heart disease including Benazepril (Fortekor) and Pimobendan (Vetmedin). Benazepril can be hard on the kidneys so follow up bloodwork is recommended. If Odie is not improving with the medications he might need higher doses. Also, if he isn't eating and drinking, I would be concerned about another disease process going on, and would recommend bloodwork. You can always try a 24 hour emergency center if you can't get into your local vet for a consult. I hope he feels better soon. I wouldn't change any medications you are giving now without talking to a vet first, and it sounds like Odie needs to be seen soon. Best of luck with Odie.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Adrian. I am sorry to hear about all of her recent troubles. I would give her water through a syringe in small frequent amounts. One of the main medications for heart failure is furosemide (lasix). This is a diuretic to pull fluid off the lungs. This medication is life saving, but can cause dehydration and secondary kidney damage. So it is important for her to stay hydrated. Hopefully her attitude and appetite will pick up once the medications are working. Her breathing rate and effort are big indicators if the heart drugs are working. Her respiratory rate should be less than 30 breaths/min when resting if the fluid has resolved. She should also breathe easily and without obvious effort. The diarrhea can be secondary to the heart disease itself or even the stress of illness. Hopefully it will resolve with the new medication. If she is struggling to breathe, isn't eating or drinking well tomorrow and the diarrhea persists, she will need to see her veterinarian again. It is important to carefully monitor her blood work and blood pressure after starting heart medications. I hope this information helps!

Radiographs of your cat's chest and abdomen will reveal any abnormalities with his heart, lungs, will show if there is fluid accumulated, any tumors or anatomical changes that signal heart or pulmonary disorders or other conditions that could be adversely affecting him. You can try to stimulate his appetite by adding some water or low sodium chicken broth to dry food, mixing in a little wet food and'or warming his food. Warming makes it more aromatic and therefore more appealing to a cat with a depressed appetite. It is vital that he continues to eat, as cats can experience liver damage after only a couple of days if not eating. Work closely with your vet, call and ask questions, get him in for rechecks, this helps them keep on top of Bunlot's condition.

The most common cause of fluid in the lungs of older cats is cancer. Certainly other problems can cause it as well, but many of those problems would be ruled out with normal lab work. You can consider having the fluid drained as much as possible, and sometimes starting a diuretic such as lasix can decrease its formation, but neither of trise solve the problem. However, if you get fluid you may be able To get a diagnosis from the fluid. However, I do worry that it is likely a very guarded prognosis regardless of the cause. I’m so sorry Nibbs is so sick. Take care and thank you for using Pet Coach.