Pimobendan (brand name: Vetmedin®) is a
heart medication
used to treat dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF), usually caused by either dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency.
How long can a dog live on Vetmedin?
In the case of DCM, dogs live anywhere from 3 – 24 months , depending on how well they react to the treatment. In the case of MVD, dogs live on average less than 1 year.
What are the side effects of Vetmedin for dogs?
The most common side effects reported in field studies were
poor appetite
, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia If side effects should occur, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.
Can I stop giving my dog Vetmedin?
Use only in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure. If serious side effects or allergic reactions occur, stop giving Vetmedin and seek emergency veterinary care.
Should Vetmedin be taken with food?
It is also not absorbed very well from the stomach if there is food there too. 30-60 minutes before feeding is often recommended, but closer to 60 would seem better if you can manage it Vetmedin is possibly the most useful drug there is for many heart problems, so it is well worth getting right if you can.
What are the last stages of congestive heart failure in dogs?
Stage 4 : CHF is in its final stage. Breathing becomes difficult even when at rest. Fluid can accumulate in various parts of the body, causing swollen legs or belly, making it difficult to walk. It can even cause vomiting.
Should I put my dog down with congestive heart failure?
A dog who is struggling with heart problems should be euthanized when they have become completely lethargic Usually, when a dog is sick enough, it will stop eating and drinking and won’t play around or desire to go outside anymore. This is the time when humane euthanasia should be considered.
How long do most dogs live with congestive heart failure?
Once congestive heart failure develops, the survival time of affected dogs is expected to be between 6 and 14 months Some dogs, however, can live for nearly three years with the right treatment regimen.
Can I give my dog Vetmedin once a day?
The dosage of Vetmedin most often used to treat CHF in dogs is 0.23 mg/lb as a total daily dose. You should split the dosage in half and give twice daily , so if 10 mg of medicine per day is required you would give 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg at night preferably 12 hours apart and about one hour before food.
Will Vetmedin hurt a healthy dog?
The highest dose of Vetmedin we usually would give would be 0.3mg/kg, so a 2.5
mg tablet
would be a slight overdose. This should be well tolerated as long as the dog is healthy as this drug has a wide safety margin, but do watch for an abnormally fast heart rate or other abnormalities.
Does Vetmedin have to be given 12 hours apart?
Dosage and Administration The total daily dose should be divided into 2 portions that are not necessarily equal, and the portions should be administered approximately 12 hours apart (i.e., morning and evening). The tablets are scored and the calculated dosage should be provided to the nearest half tablet increment.
How do you comfort a dog with congestive heart failure?
- Medication
- Pacemaker
- Low-Salt Diet
- Exercise Management
- Supplements
- Being Careful About Treats.
How long should my dog take Vetmedin?
How long will my dog require treatment with Vetmedin? For as long as your dog is responding well to treatment This is likely to mean for the rest of his or her life. During this time Vetmedin may be given alone or alongside other medication.
Can an enlarged heart go back to normal?
Some people have an enlarged heart because of temporary factors, such as pregnancy or an infection. In these cases, your heart will return to its usual size after treatment If your enlarged heart is due to a chronic (ongoing) condition, it usually will not go away.
Can you cut Vetmedin in half?
Unlike VETMEDIN chewable tablets VETMEDIN capsules cannot be cut or divided If your dog has been getting a dose of VETMEDIN chewable tablets that includes cutting a tablet in half, you will need to use a combination of different strengths of VETMEDIN capsules to maintain the same dose.
Is coughing a side effect of Vetmedin?
Possible Side Effects: Discontinue giving Vetmedin and contact your veterinarian if your pet develops; poor appetite, drowsiness, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness, incoordination, fainting, accumulation of fluid in the lungs or abdomen, and cough. Other side effects may also occur.
What are the 4 stages of congestive heart failure?
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling tired (fatigue).
- Less able to exercise.
- Weak legs.
- Waking up to urinate.
- Swollen feet, ankles, lower legs and abdomen (edema).
Why is Vetmedin so hard to get?
Vetmedin, which is a prescription drug for pets with heart issues, is in short supply because of production issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the purpose of Vetmedin?
Vetmedin is a critical medication used to treat dogs with congestive heart failure due to valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy There is no FDA-approved alternative to Vetmedin. This measure should help fill recent gaps in the supply of Vetmedin in the U.S.
How long do dogs live with
heart murmurs
?
Many dogs live a long time after being diagnosed with a heart murmur, and some can even live years after being diagnosed with heart failure.
Can a dog live with a Grade 3 heart murmur?
Vets now know that a certain drug, when given early (before clinical signs develop), markedly extends the life expectancy of dogs with Grade 3 murmurs that are due to leaky heart valves Today’s veterinary world relies on evidence-based medicine.
Does Vetmedin make dogs pee more?
This Chewable tablet helps strengthen the muscular contractions of the heart and dilates
blood vessels
. Treats heart failure, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney failure. Enalapril is also an ACE inhibitor. A diuretic prescribed to increase the amount of urine produced and excreted from the body.
Does Vetmedin slow heart rate?
By inhibiting the breakdown of cAMP, PDE III inhibitors increase the force of contraction the heart has each time it beats, as well as relaxes the blood vessels it pumps blood to. Vetmedin can also slow down the heart so the ventricles can fill with more blood.
References
https://www.petsuppliesdelivered.com/product/52964/Vetmedin-pimobendan-Chewable-Tablets-5-mg,-50-ct.html
https://www.healthwarehouse.com/vetmedin-5-mg-chewable-tablets.html
https://www.1800petmeds.com/Vetmedin+%28pimobendan%29-prod10980.html