Guinea Lynx A Medical and Care Guide for Guinea Pigs

CARDIOVASCULAR AGENTS

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Circulatory/Respiratory Medications

Read more about the use of Ace inhibitors and furosemide on the page discussing heart issues.

ACE Inhibitors

Enacard, Fortekor, and Lotensin are known as ACE inhibitors and work to lower blood pressure.

Sean's family used Lotensin and lasix (read more). Read the fascinating explanation of how these drugs work at www.marvistavet.com. They caution:Because of concerns regarding the ability of enalapril to lead to kidney damage, kidney parameters (BUN and Creatinine) should be measured prior to enalapril use, again 3-7 days after enalapril therapy has started, and periodically thereafter.

Furosemide (Lasix)

SC, IM 1-4mg/kg q4-6h (diuretic for edema, pulmonary congestion, ascites [fluid])

SC, IM 5-10 mg/kg q12h

(above dosage rates James Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary)

This drug can also be taken orally. Josephine has posted that she usually starts at 5-10 mg/kg/day for guinea pigs and then reduces if possible to the lowest maintaining dose. Lasix removes excess fluid in the body and lungs through the kidneys and is classed as a diuretic. Do not use if the animal is dehydrated or if water is being restricted.

Weakness or lethargy could be an indicator that blood potassium has dropped too low. Be sure to inform your veterinarian if your pet seems listless...Because of the increased calcium excretion brought on by furosemide (i.e. an increase in urinary calcium levels), there could be a problem using this medication in patients with a history of calcium oxalate bladder stone formation.

It is reportedly extremely difficult to overdose with this medication. For more information, read about Furosemide at www.marvistavet.com. Go Up

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