
What does Vetmedin do for a dog? 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. Its use in cats to treat heart failure is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’.
How Long Can dogs 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 side effects of Vetmedin? 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.
Will Vetmedin help my dog live longer? Vetmedin can relieve the symptoms of heart failure and help your dog have a more comfortable life. When used in asymptomatic MVD or DCM, it can extend the symptom free time, before the onset of heart failure and extend overall survival.