My dog takes Lasix for heart fluid. Are there oral electrolyte drinks?

Lasix is a diuretic medication used to decrease fluid in the lung if there is evidence of congestive heart failure. The best way to diagnose heart disease is with an echocardiogram, but since mainly veterinary specialists perform this procedure veterinarians often prescribe Lasix based on heart changes and evidence of pulmonary edema fluid on x-rays. If Fred's diabetes is well regulated it may not be worthwhile to change his food. There are some therapeutic diets that are formulated to have lower sodium and increased amounts of omega 3 fatty acids that may benefit patients with heart disease, but since diet plays an important role in glucose regulation there's a chance Fred's insulin requirements could change with a new diet. Depending on the type of heart disease diagnosed or suspected some veterinarians recommend a taurine supplement or fatty acid supplement. You could ask your veterinarian if either of these would be recommended in Fred's case.

Hello. You can give him some pedialyte to help boost his electrolytes occasionally, but as far as exercise, if he wants to go running and isn't sore, he will be able to drink enough to hydrate without loss of electrolytes. Since dogs eat balanced diets, they typically don't need electrolyte supplements, but pedialyte won't hurt after exercise. I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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

It sounds like Bubba went into heart failure. It is a stressful event for an animal. Typically, if they respond to therapy (lasix), pets show improvement within a few hours. While his breathing may have improved, it is very concerning that he is not eating or drinking. The lasix rids the body of fluid and as a result should promote thirst and urination. The major side effect of the drug is kidney damage which a lot of older cats already have. If you fail to observe improvement overnight, I would advise you to take him back to your veterinarian or the nearest veterinary emergency hospital for bloodwork and blood pressure.

Electrolyte abnormalities are a known side affect of heart medications. It's important to make sure she's eating a good-quality balanced dog food so that's she taking in the proper electrolytes. It is also wise to periodically check her blood work to test the electrolyte levels and see where she is. If there are some that are either high or low, your veterinarian may recommend supplementation. There are also heart diets on the market that may be beneficial to her. Hill's and Royal Canin both make cardiac prescription diets. Here are a couple of links for additional information about what you can feed her. I hope this helps! http://vet.tufts.edu/heartsmart/diet/ http://www.vermontveterinarycardiology.com/index.php/for-clients/feeding-the-cardiac-patient

Yes Lasix can help dogs with CHF but the dosage can only be determined by the prescribing vet. Legally we cannot prescribe it, and its usage has to be monitored by a vet as it can have some serious side effects like dehydration, weakness, collapse, balance problems, electrolyte imbalance, lack of urine production, and a racing heart beat. There are other medications that can be used to control the symptoms of CHF, they won't cure it, but they will make her more comfortable. I'd talk to Lucy's vet about Lasix and other medication. I hope this helps.

Syncope or fainting is common with progressive heart disease and it is possible she may also require additional medications alongside the lasix which are diuretics which reduce fluid build up on the lungs, if fainting is happening. I would recommend an emergency vet visit to assess fluid build up on the lungs and to try stabilise ger condition