Lasix is a drug that is mostly prescribed by vets to dogs who have heart diseases and other conditions that make the body retain fluids. If your dog was taking Lasix and his health conditions deteriorated and he ended up losing his life, it must be a very tough time for you. Sorry for your loss and hope all the good memories you created with your dog will bring smiles to your face.
If you find yourself blaming Lasix for the death of your dog, this article is for you.
Reasons Why Lasix Killed My Dog
A dog’s death after taking Lasix may be caused by a variety of factors. These are just a few of the causes:
Overdose
Lasix is a powerful medication and should be used as prescribed by a vet. Giving your dog too much Lasix could have catastrophic repercussions.
An allergic reaction
Some dogs may experience allergic reactions to Lasix or one of its components, which could have dire consequences.
Existing illnesses
Because Lasix can have serious side effects, it may not be suitable for your dog if they already have underlying medical issues like liver or kidney disease.
Giving it with other medication
Other medications your dog is taking may interact with Lasix, which could have fatal consequences and unpleasant side effects.
Misuse of the drug
Your dog’s health could be affected if Lasix is administered to them incorrectly or for an inappropriate cause.
Inadequate monitoring
While your dog is taking Lasix, it’s important to keep a close eye on them and to let your veterinarian know if they exhibit any unusual symptoms or reactions. There can be serious consequences if you don’t do it.
What is Laxis
Lasix is a popular diuretic in veterinary medicine. It is frequently recommended for treating illnesses including heart disease and others that make the body retain fluid.
It acts on the loops of Henle, a particular region of your dog’s kidney where it hinders the reabsorption of salt and water, causing them to be eliminated in the urine.
Your dog may experience degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), which is a disorder that worsens with advancing age. It is typical in dogs and frequently results in cardiac failure. Your dog may appear exhausted and has trouble breathing.
It is very effective for dogs with pulmonary edema (a condition where fluid fills up in your dog’s lung). For quick action, your veterinarian will likely provide the medication by injection.
Lasix has side effects, just like other strong medications, and if you don’t take the right measures while giving Lasix to your dog, it could have a negative impact on their health. Lasix not only treats congestive heart failure but also a few other lethal illnesses.
Brand Names and Other Names of Lasix
This drug is registered for use in humans and animals.
Human formulations: Lasix® (Hoechst Marion Roussel), Salix®, Disal® and various generics
Veterinary formulations: Lasix® (Hoechst), Diuride® (Anthony), and various generics
How Lasix Works
Lasix works by altering the balance of electrolytes filtered into the urine. As a result, extra body water moves from the tissues into the urine, causing edema (swelling) to lessen. In horses with EIPH, Lasix may potentially serve as a preventative measure. It decreases blood pressure in the tiny blood capillaries that lead to the heart and lungs by transferring water and electrolytes from the blood into the urine. As a result, Lasix can stop pulmonary hemorrhage (lung bleeding).
How Long Does Lasix Take to Work?
Usually, Lasix is administered orally. The medication is offered as a pill and a liquid. If administered orally, it t is absorbed at a rate of 77%.
In 1 to 2 hours following oral Lasix administration, your dog’s urine production increases. Lasix’s effects remain for six hours. If administered intravenously, it begins to work within five minutes. Within four hours, the urine flow is back to normal.
How is Lasix given?
Lasix is administered orally as a pill or liquid. It can be taken with or without food, but subsequent doses should be taken with food or a treat if taking it on an empty stomach causes vomiting. Be careful while measuring liquid doses. In a hospital or clinic setting, it can also be injected.
As long as your pet is on this medication, make sure they always have access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Avoid administering this medication right before bedtime because it will make your dog urinate frequently. Use gloves when handling this medication if you have a sulfa drug allergy.
What Is Lasix Used for in Dogs?
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a type of cardiovascular disease that frequently results in fluid buildup or congestion in the abdominal region, chest, or lung tissue (a condition known as pulmonary edema). The dog may have trouble breathing normally as a result of this fluid accumulation.
Lasix may make it possible for extra fluid in the tissues to enter the bloodstream and exit the body through urine by helping the kidneys in eliminating fluid from the bloodstream.
Edema
While fluid buildup can result in heart problems, it can also induce swelling in other body areas. Edema is a disease that results from the buildup of these fluids in the body’s cavities and on the periphery. The dog’s edema can be treated with Lasix, which can eliminate these fluids from the body.
Bronchitis
Lasix has diuretic qualities in addition to having the ability to open up the airways in the lungs to lessen coughing in dogs. Lasix may help dogs with chronic bronchitis, although it isn’t usually used as a sole treatment for the disease.
Kidney Disease
Uremia is brought on by kidney disease and is characterized by an accumulation of waste products in the bloodstream that the kidneys should be removing. To flush out these waste products, Lasix aids the kidneys in producing more urine. In addition, if the kidneys are not producing enough urine, Lasix may be used with other drugs to increase urine production.
Hypercalcemia
Lasix facilitates the organs to pass more calcium, one of the minerals that are passed through the kidneys. So, if blood calcium levels rise alarmingly (a condition known as hypercalcemia), Lasix can help lower them. Lasix may be used with other medications, such as prednisone, to encourage calcium excretion.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia, or elevated blood potassium, can also be treated with Lasix. Kidney disease is frequently associated with this condition.
What are the side effects of Lasix in dogs?
Dehydration
Lasix works primarily by inhibiting the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb salt and water, which increases the amount of urine produced. While doing so helps lessen fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen, it can also cause the body’s vital electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, to become depleted. Your dog may become weak, woozy, lethargic, and prone to cramps, seizures, and heart rhythms as a result of dehydration. Dehydration can cause abrupt failure of the kidneys, shock, and death in severe situations.
Increase in blood sugar
Dogs with diabetes should not be given Lasix. Lasix causes a rise in blood sugar levels, which can make dogs with diabetes’ blood pressure worse. It may result in a heart attack, weakness, and loss of control. The veterinarian could decide to give a different diuretic for such dogs.
Potassium loss
Lasix helps potassium in your dog’s urine stream release more easily. In some circumstances, this could result in an excessive potassium loss. Excessive potassium loss can also result in lethargy or sluggish behavior and fainting. Contact the vet immediately if you see your dog is noticeably weak.
Worsen kidney or liver problems
If your dog’s kidney or liver function is already compromised, Lasix can increase the strain on these organs and lead them to fail. The liver or kidneys need certain nutrients and waste products to stay in balance, but an excessive urine flow might also drain these out. Additionally, Lasix might lessen the availability of oxygen and nutrients as well as the blood flow to these organs. Toxins can accumulate in the blood and harm the entire body of your dog if its liver or kidneys cease functioning.
Lasix can alter the blood chemistry
Lasix can cause electrolyte imbalances as well as changes in the blood’s pH and ability to carry oxygen. Lasix can reduce blood volume and the concentration of proteins and cells in the plasma by eliminating more water and salt from the body than is normally the case. As a result, there may be a fall in blood pressure, less oxygen reaching the tissues, and a higher chance of blood clots, bleeding, or infections. Lasix can also alter the blood’s acid-base balance, which can result in metabolic or respiratory acidosis or alkalosis. The heart, lungs, brain, and other organs’ essential activities may be impacted by these disorders.
Mask other problems
Lasix may also be harmful if it obstructs or delays the diagnosis of other underlying medical conditions. For instance, Lasix can get rid of the fluid but not the tumor, infection, or inflammation that’s making your dog’s fluid buildup. As a result, the disease may become more severe and challenging to treat. Additionally, Lasix may conceal indicators of electrolyte imbalances or dehydration, which may result in interventions that are either too late or too early. If your dog is taking Lasix, keep a close eye on their appetite, thirst, urine output, behavior, and general health, and notify your veterinarian if anything changes.
Drug interaction
Lasix may interact with these medications:
- ACE inhibitors
- Antibiotics (amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, aminoglycosides)Corticosteroids (prednisone)
- Anti-fungal medication (amphotericin B)
- Cardiac glycosides (digoxin)
- Chemotherapy medication (cisplatin)
- Insulin
- Muscle relaxant (succinylcholine)
- NSAIDs (indomethacin, aspirin)
- Medications to increase urine (Probenecid)
- Ulcer protectant (sucralfate)
- Xanthines (theophylline)
Dosage
There are several doses of Lasix available, including a 10 mg/ml oral solution, 12.5 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 80 mg tablets, as well as a 50 mg/ml injectable solution. Soft chews in various dosages may also be available at some veterinary clinics. It can be challenging to determine an individual’s dosage because it depends on the severity of the illness, the patient’s health, and whether long- or short-term therapy is being used. It is common practice to administer a high dose initially when in the hospital or when suffering from severe heart failure, and a reduced dose every day for long-term care. Doses may include:
Short-term, once every one to twenty-four hours, 2 to 4 milligrams per kilogram of weight.
Long-term, one to twice daily, 1 to 2 milligrams per kilogram of weight.
When used over an extended period, the dosage is reduced to the lowest effective dose. In dogs with renal problems, higher doses can be required.
Can you overdose a dog on Lasix?
If your dog accidentally consumes more Lasix than is recommended, he could experience more severe adverse effects. Some of the symptoms are electrolyte imbalance, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased blood volume, and weakness.
A severe overdose of Lasix may cause acute toxicity in your dog, leading to life-threatening complications. Toxicity in dogs can cause cramps, disorientation, increased urination, lack of coordination, and excessive thirst.
If you forget to give your dog a dose of Lasix and recall it 1-2 hours later, you can still give him the right amount. But if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip it and stick to the schedule that has been prescribed. To prevent Lasix toxicity in your dog, avoid administering additional dosages.
Is there an alternative to Lasix for dogs?
Natural Diuretics
The diuretic characteristics of several herbs and supplements can aid in your dog’s fluid removal without the negative side effects of Lasix. These include juniper berries, parsley, uva ursi, and dandelion. However, before giving your pet any new supplements, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian because they might interfere with other medications or have contraindications.
Prescription Diuretics
Your veterinarian may also recommend additional diuretics such as spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide. While these drugs still have certain dangers, some dogs may find them to be safer or tolerate them better than Lasix. Based on your pet’s unique condition and medical history, your veterinarian can help you balance the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative.
Dietary Changes
Modifying your dog’s diet in some circumstances can also assist manage fluid retention and lessen the need for medication. For instance, high-quality protein helps promote renal function while a low-sodium diet can assist reduce fluid buildup in the body. Your pet’s demands and preferences can be taken into account when your veterinarian suggests a nutrition regimen.
Lifestyle Modifications
Other lifestyle modifications, in addition to medicine and food, can aid in managing the underlying problems that call for diuretics. Increased exercise, weight loss, and stress reduction, for instance, can enhance heart and kidney function and lessen the need for medication. However, these adjustments should be made gradually and with your veterinarian’s advice.
Precautions and Warnings
Lasix should not be administered to dogs with anuria, a condition in which the kidneys stop producing urine. During treatment, it’s important to keep an eye on canines with kidney disease. Caution should be taken for dogs who have a history of liver illness, electrolyte imbalance, or diabetes mellitus.
Dog on Lasix still coughing?
Although Lasix begins to work and lessens coughing within 30 minutes of intake, your dog may continue to cough less deeply for a few days. The amount of fluid that has accumulated and how well Lasix is tolerated by your dog’s body will determine how long it takes to complete the treatment.
The vet may wish to raise the dosage if your dog continues coughing persistently after taking Lasix. Never raise the dosage on your own; instead, call your veterinarian. To help your veterinarian get a clearer picture and recommend a better dose, you should also record the times when you cough excessively in relation to the times when he takes the medication.
FAQs
How should Lasix be stored?
Lasix should be kept out of direct sunlight and moisture in a cool, dry location. It should be kept out of children’s and animals’ reach.
Can Lasix be crushed or broken?
Tablets for Lasix shouldn’t be broken or crushed unless a veterinarian instructs you to. The effectiveness and absorption of the medication can be impacted by breaking or crushing the tablets.
Can Lasix be given to pregnant or nursing dogs?
Unless it is extremely necessary and has been authorized by your veterinarian, Lasix should not be administered to dogs who are pregnant or nursing. The medicine may cross the placenta and end up in the milk, which could harm the growing puppies.
Can Lasix cure my dog’s condition?
Lasix is a drug that can help dogs with heart failure, kidney illness, and other disorders manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life. However, it cannot undo the harm that has already been done because it is not a cure. It’s crucial to cooperate with your vet to create a thorough treatment plan that takes into account lifestyle modifications, medication, and routine monitoring to manage your dog’s health.
Can dogs with liver illness take Lasix?
Dogs with liver illness can take Lasix, but only under a veterinarian’s vigilant supervision. The dosage may need to be modified according to the unique state of the dog with liver illness since it may be more susceptible to the drug’s negative effects.
