Libeo

10mg Libeo is a chewable furosemide tablet for dogs. Furosemide is a "loop diuretic", which means it encourages the kidneys to pass more salt and water into the urine. In dogs with heart failure, this diuretic effect helps reduce the excess fluid that can collect in the lungs, abdomen, or other tissues. Libeo is authorised for the treatment of ascites and oedema, particularly when these signs are associated with cardiac insufficiency.

When the heart is not pumping efficiently, pressure can rise in the blood vessels that return blood to the heart. Fluid can then seep out of the circulation and into body tissues. Pulmonary congestion or pulmonary oedema can occur when fluid accumulates in or around the lungs, and breathing can become more difficult. Pleural effusion can occur when fluid collects around the lungs and limits their expansion. Ascites can occur when fluid collects in the abdomen and causes visible distension. Peripheral oedema can appear as swelling in the limbs or under the skin.

Not every dog with heart disease develops fluid build-up, but when it occurs it is a common reason for sudden worsening of symptoms. Many dogs require long-term treatment and regular monitoring, because the dose often needs adjustment as the disease changes over time.

How 10mg Libeo works

Furosemide acts mainly in a part of the kidney called the loop of Henle. It reduces the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, and water follows these salts into the urine. As urine output increases, the amount of fluid circulating in the bloodstream falls. This reduction in circulating volume can lower venous pressure and reduce the “back-pressure” that drives fluid into the lungs or abdomen.

VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED

40mg Libeo is a prescription-only chewable tablet for dogs. Each tablet contains 40mg of furosemide, a diuretic (water tablet) that helps the body remove excess fluid. Libeo is used to treat oedema (fluid in tissues) and ascites (fluid in the abdomen), particularly when these problems are linked to cardiac insufficiency or congestive heart failure in dogs. Your veterinary surgeon will decide whether Libeo is suitable and will prescribe a dose for your dog’s weight and clinical needs.

Heart failure means your dog's heart is not pumping as effectively as it should. When circulation becomes less efficient, pressure can rise in blood vessels and the body can activate hormone systems that conserve salt and water. The aim is to support circulation, but the side effect can be fluid retention. Extra fluid can then leak from blood vessels and collect in places where it causes symptoms. Fluid may build up in the lungs (leading to coughing or fast, effortful breathing), in the abdomen (ascites), or in tissues (oedema). Reducing this excess fluid can ease breathing, improve comfort, and help dogs tolerate gentle activity.

How 40mg Libeo works

Furosemide is a loop diuretic. It acts in the kidneys, where it reduces the reabsorption of sodium and chloride. Water follows salt, so more water stays in the urine and is passed out of the body. As urine output increases, the volume of fluid in the bloodstream falls. This helps reduce congestion and encourages excess fluid in the lungs, abdomen, or tissues to move back into the circulation so it can be removed. Because furosemide affects salt and water balance, it can also alter electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, so dosing and monitoring matter.

When Libeo may be prescribed

Libeo is commonly used when a dog has signs of fluid retention linked to heart disease. Your vet may prescribe it if your dog has abdominal fluid, visible swelling, or congestion affecting breathing. Libeo is often used alongside other heart medicines, such as pimobendan and ACE inhibitors, depending on the type and stage of heart disease. In some dogs, Libeo is used short term to bring fluid under control. In other dogs, it forms part of longer-term management, with the dose reviewed over time.

VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED