Heart Failure in Pets

Hello again from the Compound Lab!

Today, I’d like to talk about a condition that affects many pets, especially dogs, and that can sound overwhelming at first: heart failure.

Just like in humans, some animals are more prone to heart issues due to breed, genetics, age, or overall health status. While congestive heart failure cannot be cured, it can often be managed with the right treatment plan under the care of a veterinarian.

Symptoms may vary, but common signs include fatigue, reduced appetite, and swelling due to fluid retention. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and supporting heart function. For example:

• Furosemide or spironolactone may be prescribed to help reduce fluid buildup.

• Pimobendan is commonly used to support heart muscle contractions and blood flow.

Your veterinarian will determine the most appropriate medications and dosing for your pet’s specific condition.

In some cases, your pet may be prescribed multiple medications, which can be challenging to administer and expensive to maintain. If your veterinarian feels it is appropriate, we may be able to compound certain medications into a single, customized formulation to simplify administration and potentially reduce overall costs. This approach may also help with flavor preferences or dose adjustments tailored to your pet's size and needs.

If you have questions about compounded medications for pets with heart conditions, we’d be happy to speak with you and your veterinarian to explore available options.

We’re here in the lab Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, or you can email me anytime at brandon.ladage@belewdrugs.com.

Until next time,

Brandon

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Compounding

*Compounded medications are prepared by prescription to meet the individual needs of patients and are not evaluated or approved by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making decisions about treatment or medications.