[Gpdd] [HEALTH] Jodie, Lasix, blue piggy

[Ann Evans]

Dear Dee and the GPDD Family,
Regarding the cavy that has blue tinged lips and feet. I do not know the 
entire medical history. However as a pharmaceutical scientist and a cavy 
health advisor at Dr. Frank Bonsack DVM Animal Hospital and as the 
operator for over 25 years of a private cavy rescue home my opinion is 
that your cavy is dying due to lack of oxygen. This may be due to a 
respiratory infection or congested heart failure. Lasix works 
immediately in removing fluid from around the lungs and heart but this 
cavy may be too far gone if it is blue. The initial dose is 5 mg to 10 
mg Lasix repeated 12 hours apart. The cavy is monitored for dehydration 
and to see if fluid returns to the lungs or around the heart. The cavy 
can be given a single dose of lasix on the second and third day if 
congested heart failure (CHF) is diagnosed. If CHF is the problem then 
the cavy needs to be changed over to 1.0 mg enanapril tablets. The dose 
may need to be titrated to effect.   The cavy may already have multiple 
organ failure due to lack of oxygen. Therefore giving the cavy Lasix and 
Baytril and Dexadreson for the treatment of respiratory infection may be 
too late. Everything Warmbreath said about putting the cavy on oxygen is 
correct but the cavy may not be able to absorb the oxygen if the lungs 
are too congested or have been damaged by an infection. I am not a vet 
and my advice should not take the place of a competent cavy vet. I am 
sad to say that euthanasia may be the kindest gift you can give your 
beloved pet.
Sincerely,

Ann and the Rescued Piggys of Piggyville, Tampa Florida USA.