The effects of furosemide administration on glucose homeostasis in healthy dogs and dogs with alloxan-induced insulinopenic diabetes mellitus

Recent advances have improved glycemic control in animals with diabetes mellitus. Understanding the potential side effects a medication is important in devising an efficacious and safe therapeutic plan, especially for those patients with multiple disorders. No studies have evaluated glucose tolerance during furosemide administration in dogs. This study was designed to monitor glucose homeostasis in healthy and diabetic dogs receiving furosemide.

In the first part of the study (Phase I), the glycemic and selected biochemical effects of clinically relevant doses of furosemide in healthy beagle dogs was evaluated. Acute trials evaluated intravenous furosemide administration at 0 mg/kg (saline), 2 mg/kg, and 6 mg/kg every 8 hours for a 24-hour period. Dose levels were organized in a randomized crossover fashion so that each dog received each dose one time. Chronic trials evaluated oral furosemide administration at 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg every 12 hours for 28 days. Dose levels were again organized in a randomized crossover fashion.

In the second part of the study (Phase II), alloxan was administered to the same group of beagles to induce insulinopenic diabetes mellitus. Following stabilization with exogenous insulin therapy, the trials were repeated as in Phase I with dose levels again organized in a randomized, crossover fashion. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).