Heart meds for heart murmer?

capybara
Supporter in '13

Post   » Tue May 22, 2007 7:47 pm


Chester is our 3 year old (approximate estimate) GP who has a congenital heart murmer caused by a tiny hole in his heart. We discovered it soon after we adopted him over two years ago, and he was seen by a cardiac ultrasound specialist. Both he, and all of the other vets we have seen over the years, said that one day Chester may need meds, but until then he should be fine until he starts to show symptoms.

He's had an on and off runny nose for a while that Bactrum hasn't completely knocked out. The only heart pig hints I see with him are his back feet are redder than normal, and he sleeps more deeply. Lately he seems a little more lazy than before, too, so I feel like the murmer may be starting to bother him, and I'm going to ask if get him a trial of meds. He has an appointment tomorrow with one of our vets who is usually pretty willing to work with us to try new things. I want to get him an x-ray, too, just to be safe that it isn't some URI that's flying under the radar even with the Bactrum.

Do other people here with pigs with murmers use heart meds? What is the best heart med to ask about? I know Lasix would not be indicated if it's just the murmer and no fluid in his lungs. Is Lotensin what people use?

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Tue May 22, 2007 7:53 pm


Lotensin (a human med, and therefore readily available and readily compound-able) appears to be what most of us are using to start with.

Vetmedin can be added in if needed. Lotensin is an ACE-inhibitor; Vetmedin also provides heart support but through a different method of action. They can be used together.

Hopefully Pinta will see this and expand a little.

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Tue May 22, 2007 10:57 pm


I think there may be a small amount about heart murmurs in rabbits in Quesenberries' book but I'm not positive. I would imagine standard treatment for similar problems in other species would work for her. Good luck.

capybara
Supporter in '13

Post   » Thu May 31, 2007 9:50 pm


A long overdue update on this little buddy. Chester saw our vet last week, and we got switched to Baytril and his runny nose problem seems to be eliminated.

He got an x-ray, though, and our vet felt that his heart looked somewhat enlarged most likely due to life with the murmer, but there doesn't appear to be any fluid surrounding the heart or lungs. He is open to the idea of trying heart meds, and mentioned the possibility of trying Enalapril. I asked about Lotensin and he said they would work similarly. Do any of you experienced with heart problems recommend one over the other, and what are the differences between these medications?

We have not had anything prescribed yet because he wanted to read the report the original cardiologist did when we first adopted Chester 2 years ago to see if he recommended meds. He did, but I noticed he had only mentioned Lasix if there is fluid present. Even though he didn't mention anything else, I think the fact that the cardiologist was recommending drugs will help us get something to help Chester out. Our current vet has never prescribed heart drugs for GP's, but he is open minded and hopefully we shouldn't have that much trouble getting one of the other meds.

Thanks to all who have replied so far!

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Mum
I GAVE, dammit!

Post   » Thu May 31, 2007 11:24 pm


Lotensin is a newer and better ACE inhibitor.

I'd use this one over enalapril - it's easier on the kidneys.

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Kermie831

Post   » Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:22 am


Our Oreo is on Enalapril every am, and does quite well.

My humble opinion:
Captopril is the choice for renal issues, but since it's heart issues... with a lot of the aces it goes on the Dr's preference and trial and error to find one that works.

pinta

Post   » Fri Jun 01, 2007 7:00 am


Lotensin(Fortekor) is the newer better version of Enalapril. It's easier on the pigs.

Fortekor was readily available in Canada before it was available in the U.S. which is why so many American vets seem to stick with what they know rather than switch to the "new improved" med.

User avatar
Kermie831

Post   » Fri Jun 01, 2007 10:56 am


Can someone find the literature on that?

I am stubborn cardiac ICU nurse... I go with what I know~
same class of drug... same effects, lots of drugs have new versions come out every year, change it a tiny bit and it can be marketed with a new name, and the patent is good for several years.

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Mum
I GAVE, dammit!

Post   » Fri Jun 01, 2007 11:00 am


I can give you a link to the information on Fortekor in animals (lotensin):

http://www.ah.novartis.com/products/en/ ... ekor.shtml

HollyT
Get on your bike.

Post   » Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:57 am


kermie, feel free to google it yourself.

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Kermie831

Post   » Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:04 pm


I did, but there are no comparisons... that I could find at least. That's why I asked.

Oh well, Oreo does great on his vasotec, so that's what I am going to stick with.

Does anyone's pigs on any type of ACE get a cough as a side effect?

PigWorrier

Post   » Sat Jun 02, 2007 8:30 pm


Hi Kermie. My piggie has been on Enalapril for almost 2 weeks. I have not noticed a cough. I mentioned to my vet about lotensin, she said to just monitor water intake closely. If we notice changes in water consumption we can take that as a symptom the kidneys could be becoming effected and change the med. His med is working for him so we would hate to change him seeing he has been chronicly gassy for so long we don't want to waste time helping find the right heart med that will work for him.

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