Frusedale for dogs and cats
What is Frusedale?
Frusedale is a brand name of the drug ‘furosemide’, sometimes called ‘frusemide’. It is a diuretic often used in the management of heart failure in dogs and cats.
What does Frusedale do?
Frusedale targets specific areas in the kidneys known as the proximal and distal tubules and the ascending Loop of Henle. These are the parts of the kidney where certain electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and chloride) and water are usually reabsorbed back into the body. Furosemide prevents
this reabsorption process.
By doing so, it significantly increases the excretion of these electrolytes and water. This leads to more urine production, which is why furosemide is termed a diuretic. It therefore helps to remove excess fluid from the body, which can be particularly beneficial in certain health conditions where
fluid accumulation is a problem, like heart disease.
What is Frusedale for?
Frusedale is a medication primarily used to manage several health conditions in pets where reducing excess fluid in the body is crucial. It’s commonly prescribed for:
- Heart Conditions: In pets with certain heart problems, such as congestive heart failure, Frusedale helps to ease the burden on the heart by reducing fluid accumulation. This can help relieve symptoms like difficulty breathing and reduce the overall strain on the heart.
- Kidney Disease: Although it may seem counterintuitive to use a diuretic in kidney disease, Frusedale can be beneficial in specific kidney conditions where fluid retention is a problem, helping to improve kidney function and urine production.
- Pulmonary Oedema: This is a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, making breathing difficult. Frusedale helps to clear this fluid, improving breathing and oxygenation.
What are the possible side effects with Frusedale?
While Frusedale is an effective medication for managing certain health conditions in pets, like all medications, it can have side effects. Being aware of these can help you monitor your pet’s health while they are on this medication. Some possible side effects include:
● Dehydration: Because Frusedale increases urine production, there’s a risk of dehydration. It’s important to ensure your pet has constant access to fresh water.
● Drinking more: Because Frusedale causes pets to urinate out lots of water, it’s common for them to want to drink more in response.
● Electrolyte Imbalance: The medication can cause an imbalance in electrolytes, especially potassium and sodium. This can lead to symptoms like weakness, lethargy, or irregular heartbeat. Your vet will monitor this, and your pet may need different diuretics or potassium
supplements if it occurs.
● Hearing Loss: Rarely, particularly in cats, high doses of Frusedale can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Remember, not all pets will experience these side effects, and the benefits of using Frusedale often outweigh the risks, especially in pets with serious health conditions. However, if you notice any concerning symptoms or changes in your pet’s behaviour or health while they are taking Frusedale,
it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide guidance and adjust the treatment plan if necessary to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.
As a pet owner, you can also report a suspected side effect to the VMD if you think Frusedale caused problems for your pet. Or, read our article for more advice about reporting suspected pet drug side effects to the VMD.
How to give Frusedale safely
- Follow vet instructions: Always use Frusedale exactly as your vet has prescribed. This includes the right dose and frequency. Never adjust the dose on your own, even if your dog or cat seems to be feeling better or worse. If you aren’t sure of the dose prescribed, please call your vet to confirm.
- Record the dose: It is likely your pet’s Frusedale dose will change as their condition changes. It’s very important they receive the correct dose, so make sure you record the new dose somewhere, especially if you are not the only person giving Frusedale to your pet.
- Check with your vet if giving anything else: Your vet should be aware of other drugs your pet is on, but it’s always worth double-checking in case there’s been a miscommunication somewhere. If your dog is on supplements or non-prescription treatments you should also tell your vet when they prescribe Frusedale, as they may not be suitable to be given together.
- Storage and Handling: Store Frusedale according to the instructions on the label, usually in a cool and dry place. Make sure it’s out of reach of children and other pets.
- Report any accidental overdose to your vet immediately: If you have mistakenly given too much Frusedale, report it to your vet as soon as you realise the error. They may recommend blood tests, intravenous fluids, or monitoring, depending on the severity of the overdose.
Frusedale FAQs
Is Frusedale and Furosemide the same?
‘Frusedale’ is a brand name of the drug called furosemide, also known as frusemide. Furosemide is the active ingredient in the medication called ‘Frusedale’.
How long does furosemide take to work in cats and dogs?
How long it takes furosemide to work in cats depends on the dosage they’re given, and the route it’s given by. Furosemide can be given by injection by vets, and will start to work within an hour. Oral furosemide tablets (Frusedale) take longer to work, but provide a more stable and continuous result.
Can you give a cat or dog too much furosemide?
Yes, it’s possible to overdose cats and dogs with too much furosemide, and you should always call your vet immediately if you’ve given too much furosemide to your pet.
What happens if I give my cat or dog too much furosemide?
An overdose of furosemide can cause heart problems, kidney problems, and low blood pressure, as well as deafness, which is usually temporary. If you have accidentally given your pet too much furosemide, you should call your vet and tell them how much you have given. They will check the dose and see whether treatment is needed. Treatment would usually involve an intravenous drip to help maintain blood pressure and protect the kidneys.
What is the dose of Frusedale for dogs and cats?
The dose of furosemide varies according to each pet, and your vet will aim to use the lowest dose that helps your pet’s symptoms, increasing it as necessary if symptoms recur. Most cats will start on half a Frusedale tablet, while most dogs will start on half to a whole tablet, depending on their size.
Frusedale Datasheet
All drugs have a manufacturer’s datasheet, which gives information about the drug’s use and possible side effects. There is usually one in your Frusedale box, but if you have lost it you can click on the button below to be taken on an online version.
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Please note that the information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only. Although it has been written by a vet, we cannot consider the individual nature of your pet’s problems so it does not constitute veterinary advice. If you have questions about your pet’s medication or their health you should contact a vet, who will be able to help.
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