| Abstract: | A method is described for precise investigation of diuresis and saluresis in cats, using trained animals in a special diuresis apparatus. Furosemide given intramuscularly (IM) to cats at the dose level of 10 mg/kg produced slight untoward reactions of short duration. Therefore, this dose lies at the upper limit of tolerance. Saluretic and diuretic effect of 5 different doses of furosemide was investigated in 4 cats and 20 dogs. A dose-dependent increase in diuresis was achieved in cats given doses of furosemide ranging from 1.25 to 10 mg/kg. In the dog, the range of effectiveness was broader. In both species, there was a parallel increase in the excretion of sodium and chloride ions. The excretion of potassium ions in the cat remained unaffected, whereas in the dog, there was a dose-dependent increase in potassium ion excretion, which became especially distinct when large doses were given. A direct comparison of total saluretic and diuretic values in the dog and cat after IM administration of furosemide was not possible, since the calculated straight lines had different slopes, and their points of intersection lay outside the scope of this study. A difference can be assumed to exist between dog and cat in the mode of action of diuresis and saluresis after administration of furosemide. |
