Pharmacology of Furosemide in the Horse: A Review

Abstract

Furosemide, a diuretic, is frequently administered to horses for the prophylaxis of exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage and the treatment of a number of clinical conditions, including acute renal failure and congestive heart failure. Furosemide increases the rate of urinary sodium, chloride, and hydrogen ion excretion. Plasma potassium concentration decreases after furosemide administration but urinary potassium excretion in horses is minimally affected. Renal blood flow increases after furosemide administration. Systemically, furosemide increases venous compliance and decreases right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, and pulmonary blood volume. T..