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Furosemide

Grade

Diuresis

Pharmacology

Initial Dosing

  • 1-4 mg/kg, SC/IM/IV, q4-6h 

Subsequent Dosing

  • The literature poorly describes ongoing furosemide dosing. Recent publications suggest 1-2 mg/kg PO q8-24h (Hedley, 2023; Watson, 2011).

Indications


In most small animal species, furosemide has been used as part of fluid retention mitigation protocols for managing cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic and renal oedema, peripheral oedema due to mechanical obstruction, venous insufficiency, hypertension, intracranial trauma and hypertension, inflammatory effusions and neoplastic effusions. 


Indications for furosemide use in rabbit literature include


  • Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (AHF/CHF) (Bays, 2020)

  • Hypertension (Bays, 2020)

  • Oedema associated with liver disease (Bays, 2020)

  • Oedema associated with kidney disease (Bays, 2020)


Therapeutics

Therapeutics

Evidence

Evidence-Base

  1. Artru, A.A., Powers, K.M., 1997. Furosemide decreases cerebrospinal fluid formation during desflurane anesthesia in rabbits. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 9, 166–174. https://doi.org/10.1097/00008506-199704000-00012

  2. Bays, T.B., 2020. Geriatric Care of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, Geriatrics 23, 567–593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2020.05.006

  3. Brozmanova, A., Jochem, J., Javorka, K., Zila, I., Zwirska-Korczala, K., 2006. Diuretic-induced dehydration/hypovolemia inhibits thermal panting in rabbits. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology 150, 99–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resp.2005.10.008

  4. DeFrancesco, T.C., 2013. Management of Cardiac Emergencies in Small Animals. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 43, 817–842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.03.012

  5. Hedley, J., 2023. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary Part B: Exotic Pets.

  6. Huynh, M., Boyeaux, A., Pignon, C., 2016. Assessment and Care of the Critically Ill Rabbit. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, Emergency and Critical Care 19, 379–409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2016.01.011

  7. Imai, M., 1977. Effect of bumetanide and furosemide on the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop of rabbits and rats perfused in vitro. European Journal of Pharmacology 41, 409–416. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(77)90261-8

  8. Jekl, V., 2021. Respiratory Disorders in Rabbits. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice 24, 459–482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2021.01.006

  9. Matsuda, K., Mitsuo, H., Nishijima, T., Uchiyama, H., Nita, T., Matsunaga, S., Fujimoto, N., Ushijima, T., Ando, Y., Kan-o, M., Shinohara, G., Kimura, S., Sonoda, H., Shiose, A., 2024. Acute Dapagliflozin Administration Ameliorates Cardiac Surgery-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in a Rabbit Model. Circulation Journal 88, 1488–1498. https://doi.org/10.1253/circj.CJ-23-0864

  10. Müller, K., Mancinelli, E., 2022. Cardiology in Rabbits and Rodents–Common Cardiac Diseases, Therapeutic Options, and Limitations. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice 25, 525–540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2022.01.006

  11. Ozawa, S., Guzman, D.S.-M., Keel, K., Gunther-Harrington, C., 2021. Clinical and pathological findings in rabbits with cardiovascular disease: 59 cases (2001–2018). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 259, 764–776. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.259.7.764

  12. Palmero, A., 2023. Respiratory distress in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Emerging Animal Species 6, 100022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eas.2023.100022

  13. Pariaut, R., 2009. Cardiovascular Physiology and Diseases of the Rabbit. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice 12, 135–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2008.08.004

  14. Pichette, V., du Souich, P., 1996. Role of the kidneys in the metabolism of furosemide: its inhibition by probenecid. J Am Soc Nephrol 7, 345–349. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.V72345

  15. Pichette, V., Geadah, D., du Souich, P., 1996. The influence of moderate hypoalbuminaemia on the renal metabolism and dynamics of furosemide in the rabbit. Br J Pharmacol 119, 885–890. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.1996.tb15755.x

  16. Pichette, V., Geadah, D., Souich, P. du, 1999. Role of Plasma Protein Binding on Renal Metabolism and Dynamics of Furosemide in the Rabbit. Drug Metab Dispos 27, 81–85.

  17. Reusch, B., 2005. Investigation and management of cardiovascular disease in rabbits. In Practice 27, 418–425. https://doi.org/10.1136/inpract.27.8.418

  18. Tammela, T.L.J., Longhurst, P.A., Wein, A.J., Levin, R.M., 1993. The Effect of Furosemide-Induced Diuresis on Rabbit Micturition and Bladder Contractile Function. The Journal of Urology 150, 204–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(17)35447-2

  19. Vergés, J., Héroux, L., Maurice, H., du Souich, P., 1995. Extrahepatic metabolism of frusemide in anaesthetized rabbits. Br J Pharmacol 116, 2407–2412. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.1995.tb15087.x

  20. Watson, M., 2011. Furosemide. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine 20, 60–63. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2010.11.014

Monograph Details

Monograph Details

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