ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information about the most commonly used heart failure drugs, other agents which are useful in certain cases, and possible future treatment strategies. Furosemide is well-absorbed orally in dogs and moderately well-absorbed in cats. Furosemide is actively secreted into the urine in the proximal convoluted tubule, and rapidly reaches its site of action in Henle's loop. Caution is required in animals with underlying renal disease. Dosage reduction is necessary in animals that develop more than mild azotemia. Dehydration, azotemia, decreases in electrolyte concentrations, and alkalosis are the most common adverse effects. Adverse effects of torsemide are similar to those of furosemide. Potassium-sparing diuretics are contraindicated in patients with preexisting hyperkalemia, and serum potassium should be monitored in patients receiving an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or potassium supplement.
