Furosemide-induced changes in plasma and blood volume of camels (Camelus dromedarius).

This work examines the effect of treatment of camels with furosemide (1 or 2 mg/kg, intravenously) on blood volume (BV), plasma volume (PV) and the plasma concentrations of total solids (PTS), plasma total protein (PTP) haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (PCV). The cumulative urine produced during the 4 h following furosemide administration (2 mg/kg) averaged 22.2 mL/kg, compared to 2.3 mL/kg in controls. None of the above parameters were significantly changed by furosemide treatment at either dose. In another experiment, the effect of the two doses of furosemide on the sequential changes on some of the above parameters was investigated at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 and 240 min after the drug administration. On the whole, there were no significant changes in any of the measured parameters, except for small but statistically significant increases in the PCV and Hb at 30 and 45 min post treatment. It is concluded that, despite the marked diuresis following furosemide administration, the camel appears to be able to maintain its bodily fluid haemostasis.