Vetmedin (Pimobendan)

What is Vetmedin?

10% of dogs will be diagnosed with various forms of heart disease during their lifetime. A study published in 2006 in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (JAAHA 2006; 42: 90-93) says that dogs suffering from heart failure can gain an extra nine months of life over conventional treatments by using Vetmedin (pimobendan). Vetmedin (pimobendan) is a veterinary medication used in dogs for the treatment of congestive heart failure originating from valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. Vetmedin is the first of a new class of heart treatments termed Inodilators. The active ingredient found in Vetmedin is pimobendan. Vetmedin (pimobendan) has a dual mode of action: 1) Vetmedin acts directly on the heart as a calcium sensitiser to increase the ability of heart muscles to contract. 2) Vetmedin acts on the peripheral circulation through selective phosphodiesterase III inhibition to produce dilation of the blood vessels of the heart as well as the peripheral blood vessels. Due to these two actions, Vetmedin (pimobendan) increases the output of the heart. Put more simply, Vetmedin (pimobendan) improves heart function by increasing the strength of the muscular contractions of the heart and dilating (opens up) blood vessels. The opening up of the blood vessels makes it easier for blood to flow and thereby reduces the amount of work the heart has to do to pump blood through the dog's body. The severity of heart failure varies from dog to dog. This variation in the severity of the disease affects how well a dog will respond to treatment with Vetmedin. In one clinical trial, over 50% of dogs treated with Vetmedin were symptom free within 7 days of starting treatment. The majority of owners see an improvement in their dog within a week of starting treatment with Vetmedin. Further improvements may be seen in the following weeks. Vetmedin (pimobendan) is given orally at a dosage of 0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg daily divided in

How to use Vetmedin

Vetmedin (pimobendan) treatment should be initiated only in symptomatic cases which will benefit from increased contractility of the heart muscles (positive inotropy). Vetmedin capsules should be given to your dog one hour before food, twice a day - ideally in the morning and at night (about 12 hours apart). If necessary a Vetmedin capsule can be hidden in a treat. Your dog will be given Vetmedin (pimobendan) as long as they are responding well to the treatment. This means that your dog will most likely take Vetmedin for the rest of his or her life. You should have your dog examined by your veterinarian regularly. Your visits to the vet may need to be more frequent when first starting treatment with Vetmedin (pimobendan). However, once your dog has been stabilised on Vetmedin, you may decrease how often you visit your vet. Be sure to have your dog examined if your dog's condition deteriorates.

Vetmedin warnings and precautions

Vetmedin (pimobendan) should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. Vetmedin (pimobendan) should not be used in dogs with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. Vetmedin (pimobendan) is contraindicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathies and clinical conditions where an improvement of cardiac output is not possible for functional or anatomical reasons (e.g. aortic stenosis). Doses of Vetmedin (pimobendan) over 0.8 mg/kg/day over a period of 2 to 4 weeks may be associated with exaggerated heart muscle contractions and jet lesions to the heart muscles. Dogs in congestive heart failure should be monitored for arrhythmias during Vetmedin (pimobendan) therapy. Vetmedin (pimobendan) should only be administered to pregnant and lactating bitches if the expected therapeutic benefits outweigh the potential risk. Keep Vetmedin (pimobendan) out of reach of children and pets.

What do I do if I have missed a Vetmedin dose?

If you miss giving a Vetmedin dose simply give the next dose when due. There is no need to give a higher dose. In case of a Vetmedin (pimobendan) overdose, contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately. Often overdose with Vetmedin leads to profuse vomiting.

Vetmedin interactions

Before starting treatment with Vetmedin (pimobendan) consult with your vet if your dog is taking any other medications. Vetmedin is compatible with other drugs used for treating heart failure your vet may choose to prescribe it alongside other drugs. Vetmedin (pimobendan) capsules may be combined with a diuretic treatment such as furosemide. Vetmedin should be used with caution with other positive inotropes. Beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers may decrease Vetmedin’s positive effects on heart muscle contractility. Vetmedin (pimobendan) is a highly protein-bound drug and therefore may interact with other drugs that are also highly protein bound.

Vetmedin side effects

Vetmedin side effects include: - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Inappetance (pet won’t eat at all or won’t eat as much as they need) - Tachycardia (rapid heart beat) - Uneasiness - Incoordination - Convulsions - Polyuria (the passage of large volumes of urine) - Polydypsia (increased thirst – drinking large volumes of water)