I meant to add this ages ago but it slipped my mind being so busy!
As many of you know, my sow Fudge has heart disease and is on the usual meds of fortekor, vetmedin and frusemide- diuretic to reduce fluid in the chest. The common dose for this is 2-4mg/kg every 8 hours- fudge has been on 4mg every 8 hours for a few months now, and any attempt to reduce it was unsuccesful, resulting in her having gurgling episodes.
I started Fudge on spironolactone around 4 weeks ago- a diuretic used in dogs. It comes in tablet form, and is crushed and syringed in water. It is a potassium sparing diuretic, so doesnt put as much pressure on the kidneys as frusemide does.
She has done well on this, and although still relying on both diuretics- she hasnt gurgled once since using it and has been much happier in herself. If it wasnt for this, i think Fudges chest would have brimmed with fluid to the point i would have had to let her go.
The dose is 5mg/kg once daily, and comes in a 25mg tablet so dosing is tricky.
I havent heard of it used much with heart piggy owners on here, and i got the info from a specialist.
I hope anyone struggling with their heart piggy fluid wise, can try Spironolactone and have good results like Fudgey did. Its definately given her more time, but more importantly time that is with a good quality of life.
Xx
As many of you know, my sow Fudge has heart disease and is on the usual meds of fortekor, vetmedin and frusemide- diuretic to reduce fluid in the chest. The common dose for this is 2-4mg/kg every 8 hours- fudge has been on 4mg every 8 hours for a few months now, and any attempt to reduce it was unsuccesful, resulting in her having gurgling episodes.
I started Fudge on spironolactone around 4 weeks ago- a diuretic used in dogs. It comes in tablet form, and is crushed and syringed in water. It is a potassium sparing diuretic, so doesnt put as much pressure on the kidneys as frusemide does.
She has done well on this, and although still relying on both diuretics- she hasnt gurgled once since using it and has been much happier in herself. If it wasnt for this, i think Fudges chest would have brimmed with fluid to the point i would have had to let her go.
The dose is 5mg/kg once daily, and comes in a 25mg tablet so dosing is tricky.
I havent heard of it used much with heart piggy owners on here, and i got the info from a specialist.
I hope anyone struggling with their heart piggy fluid wise, can try Spironolactone and have good results like Fudgey did. Its definately given her more time, but more importantly time that is with a good quality of life.
Xx
you realy are a great piggy keeper 
