symptoms of electrolyte imbalance?

[swampmaxmum]

thanks!  I don't know, just know the vet is a crusader for fortekor.  I know it's helped a lot of cats, but not either of mine to be honest. Neither of their creatinine and urea nos stopped climbing on it.

the frusemide saved Swampy's life so I have to be mighty grateful to it for that at least!  He was in a very bad way 2 fridays ago. Thanks for the info - the vet is sure that they can be combined at current dosage so on we go.
I will know more about the electrolyte levels tomorrow when the bloods are back -will put that on Swampy's thread. Many thanks.

[Fire Fox]

I don't think it's drug interaction that is causing the problem: it's common in humans to prescribe these groups of medications together in heart failure. I think it's more likely to be a side effect of one of the medications, probably the Fortekor, or even a sign the dose isn't high enough! If side effects are severe it's normal to adjust the dosage or even prescribe an alternative. If your current vet won't take your concerns seriously you need a new vet.

You might have a quick chat with a friendly pharmacist in your area - they might be able to give you a more educated guess than I am able to as I am rusty (out of industry several years). It would also be interesting to know what kind of a relationship your vet has with the Fortekor and Lasix drug reps: I recall there being a lot of drunken meals in posh restaurants to woo the consultants and SHOs when I worked in hospital pharmacy ...

[swampmaxmum]

many thanks. I've asked the vet about the interaction between frusemide (which is furesemide, yes) and fortekor but he dismisses it. The weight loss is so sudden as is the weakness. It coincides. It may not be the drugs but it may be.
muscle weakness is a problem as with his heart under strain from fluid - now hopefully drained off - he wasn't allowed to walk. I will try to ask again tomorrow. I know the vet isn't keen to stop frusemide.

Swampy is so happy now that he can breathe better and he's eating, just is so weak when he walks.  thanks, I knew someone on here would know something 

[Fire Fox]

Try these for side effects including weakness. I am a (rusty) pharmacy technician and Frusemide is certainly branded as Lasix in human medication so I am guessing Furosemide is another name for Frusemide (US version??).

http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/benazepril-fortekor/page1.aspx
http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/furosemide-lasix/page1.aspx

[Millys Mum]

The ones iv seen have walked kind of flatly with potassium issues, wobblyness/weakness is normally down to muscle wastage as Gillian says.
Hope his drug combos work for him 

[Gillian Harvey]

I don't know Kate, but I do know low potassium itself can cause electrolyte imbalance, having just seen this happen with my mum. The back leg weakness could be a bit of muscle wastage perhaps?

[swampmaxmum]

Does anyone know if back leg weakness can be from electrolyte imbalance or is it usually from low potassium?  Sorry it's a specific question so wanted to catch everyone, not just those who read Swampy's thread.
He is on fortekor and frusemide. Marvista vet says that the combo can cause electrolyte imbalance which can be extremely serious. My vet says Swampy's diuretic dose (1/4 tablet or 1/4 of 40mgs) is too low for that, but with the rapid and sudden weight loss of 2 lots of 300gs about 10 days apart, I'm extremely concerned. He also has potassium supplements and his head is now up (not down as with potassium deficiency) but the back leg area is very weak and wobbly despite the potassium. He doesn't walk more than a few metres a day from one bed to the other or his tray, so the muscles aren't great. But the first weight loss of 300g was probably good news ie fluid draining off - but the second one is scary. The vet has said Swampy has to stay on both meds. I am so scared that that is wrong.

wondered if anyone knew this info please? Sorry to overlap threads.