Vetmedin® (Pimobendan)

Vetmedin contains the active ingredient Pimobendan. Vetmedin is a heart medication prescribed for dogs diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure due to valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Pimobendan, the active ingredient in Vetmedin, can delay the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) and DCM. It can also improve the quality of life in dogs on this medication. Vetmedin is often used alongside other medications for heart conditions.

Vetmedin aids heart function in two ways:

• Vasodilation: It relaxes blood vessel muscles, allowing for easier blood flow, reducing fluid accumulation in the lungs or body, and improving blood flow to organs.
• Heart Muscle Contraction: It indirectly improves the heart's ability to contract, enhancing blood pumping through the heart to the rest of the body.

Vetmedin dosage is determined by your veterinarian and is usually split into two doses given 12 hours apart. It's typically recommended to be given on an empty stomach, 1 hour before feeding. Stopping Vetmedin® without consulting your veterinarian is not advised.

Overdose:

An overdose of Vetmedin can lead to serious complications, including fast heart rates, blood pressure abnormalities, abnormal heart rhythms, and structural heart changes. In case of an overdose, seek emergency veterinary care or contact the New Zealand National Poisons Centre (www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738).

Vetmedin is contraindicated in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathies or clinical conditions where an augmentation of cardiac output is not recommended for functional or anatomical reasons, such as aortic stenosis.

Common side effects include digestive upset, such as decreased appetite and diarrhoea. Other rare potential side effects that could occur are decreased energy, difficulty breathing, elevated kidney enzymes, weakness, and lack of coordination. If any of these side effects are present, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Store in a cool dry place below 25C, avoiding extreme heat. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach from children and other animals. It's important to securely store the medication away from pets because accidental ingestion can lead to overdose.

How quickly does Vetmedin work?

• It's important to discuss with your veterinarian the expected response for your pet, as each pet is different. Vetmedin typically begins working within 1-2 hours of administration, but visible effects might take longer. Signs of heart failure in dogs can improve significantly within 7 days.

How long can a dog live on Vetmedin?

• A 2006 study (VetSCOPE) showed that dogs with Acquired Atrioventricular Valvular Disease treated with Vetmedin® lived approximately three times longer than those on an ACE inhibitor called benazepril. The average lifespan on Vetmedin was 13 months, compared to 4.5 months for benazepril.