CHF from sub-q fluids?

[mej1]

If a cat is on sub-q fluids for a short time and becomes very lethargic, isn't that a sign of possible CHF? And wouldn't or shouldn't a veterinarian recognize that and stop the fluids and do an x-ray?

[opus88]

in order for subq fluids to make the CHF worse, the kitty would need to first have CHF...yes it could worsen a pre-existing condition but as we said above it will not cause it!! Too much fluid accumulating around the heart is not good for CHF kitties.
150ml is alot of fluid at one time IMO......

[mej1]

Here's my question:

A cat is acting totally fine and is energetic. Then he is put on 150 mL of sub-q fluids twice a week, the reason is irrelevant. After the second week he becomes very lethargic with no interest in playing his favorite game. Is this a sign of CHF worsened by the sub-q fluids?

And if it is a sign of CHF, should a veterinarian realize this and actually do something about it?

[nancyjac]

Again, it is more likely that the bladder stones are causing the lethargy, not the sub-q fluids and not CHF.

[Piparskeggr]

Anita and I gave our cat Calamity Jane Sub-Q Ringers for over 2 years (50 - 75 ml, 3 - 4 times a week)...helped to over-hydrate her so her elderly kidneys would work ok.

Cammie would perk up after every treatment; took 2 severe strokes to finally slay her (aged 21 years, 4 months).

[opus88]

to me it sounds more like a possibility that the bladder stones are  causing a blockage and kitty is in pain....how much urine is he passing? with the increase in fluids he should be passing alot more urine.
Increased fluids will not cause CHF!!.....if CHF already exists than extra fluids will cause more harm...BUT bladder stones are NOT a sign of CHF. why are you thinking this is what your kitty has?

[mej1]

Let me explain the question again, there seems to be a misunderstanding.

A cat is acting totally fine and is energetic. Then he is put on 150 mL of sub-q fluids twice a week to help flush out bladder stones. After the second week he becomes very lethargic with no interest in playing his favorite game. Is this a sign of CHF caused or worsened by the sub-q fluids?

And if it is a sign of CHF, should a veterinarian realize this and actually do something about it?

[opus88]

lethargy can be a sign of many illnesses not only CHF. What condition is the Vet now treating with the Sub-q fluids? just dehydration of is there some other problem?

I will send you a link with more info on CHF. I would suggest you talk to your Vet about your concerns. asap.
good luck keep us posted please...

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_feline_hypertrophic_cardiomyop.html

[nancyjac]

More likely you have the cause and effect reversed.  Dehydration can cause lethargy. Lethargy is generally not a symptom of CHF.   CHF is most often the result of cardiomyopathy where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to tissues.  That in turn can cause fluid retention around the heart and lungs.  Excessive or prolonged  sub-q fluids for a cat that already has CHF as a pre-existing condition could worsen the CHF, but it would not cause it.  CHF cannot be diagnosed from an X-ray alone.  The Xray might show fluids around the lungs or heart, but that could be from other causes such as pneumonia.