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Vetmedin® is approved by the FDA as an inodilator. With the active ingredient Pimobendan, this prescription medication works to improve the quality of life and extend the life expectancy of dogs with a CHF (congestive heart failure) diagnosis. When administered at 12-hour intervals, the dual action of this medication improves heart muscle contraction and works to dilate the blood vessels that carry blood from and to the heart, leading to a reduction of workload on the heart. Pimobendan is shown to decrease heart muscle stress and increase cardiac output, but it does not raise energy consumption or oxygen. Because dogs with congestive heart failure are known to have weak circulatory systems, Vetmedin® helps these dogs continue to enjoy their favorite activities. As a dog ages, they become more susceptible to heart failure and heart disease. When these conditions are diagnosed and treated early, the dog's life can be prolonged and improved. Speak to your dog's veterinarian to decide if this treatment would benefit your dog.
Vetmedin (pimobendane) helps the heart by sensitizing it to the effects of calcium, which in turn helps the heart relax and contract more effectively and pump more efficiently. How Vetmedin helps your dog’s heart is twofold. The heart pumps more blood to the rest of the body, and the heart has less resistance to pump against. Vetmedin (pimobendane), available in 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg strengths, is one of the most helpful and unique drugs in veterinary pharmacopeia. No other veterinary dog prescriptions work, in the same way, to help the heart do its job better.
This drug is prescription-only and cannot be purchased over the counter. It can only be purchased from your veterinarian or a veterinary pharmacy with a prescription. Your veterinarian can only provide a prescription if they have recently examined your dog. In addition, you will need to have regular check-ups with your veterinarian to make sure the medication and dosage are still appropriate for your dog’s condition. Once your dog is stable, your veterinarian will want to see them every 3-6 months.
- Works by opening up the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood from and to the dog's heart
- Strengthens the heartbeat
- Improves the blood-pumping efficiency of the heart
- Pumps blood throughout the body to reduce undue strain on the dog's heart
- Decreases heart pressure
Vetmedin should be used only on the recommendation of a veterinarian and under their direct supervision. In addition, pimobendan, the active ingredient in Vetmedin, has not been researched at length in dogs with conditions such as heart defects, diabetes, or puppies less than 6 months of age.
USE CAUTION WHEN ADMINISTERING THIS DRUG TO LACTATING OR PREGNANT PETS
Dogs generally tolerate Vetmedin well. Vetmedin (pimobendane) may result in the following side effects:
- Allergic reaction (labored breathing, hives, etc)
- Staggering
- Labored breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Cough
- Fainting
- Build-up of fluid in the lungs or abdomen
Pimobendan may react with these drugs:
- Pentoxifylline
- Propranolol
- Theophylline
- Verapamil
You are the best judge of whether or not your pet is feeling well, so monitor their general mood while they are on Vetmedin. If you see that your pet isn’t feeling well, this may mean they are suffering from side effects or their condition is getting worse. Keep in close contact with your veterinarian about their mood and any side effects that you notice.