Vetmedin (pimobendan) is a veterinary prescription cardiac medication for dogs, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. It is the gold standard treatment for canine congestive heart failure (CHF) due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Vetmedin is also indicated to delay the onset of CHF in dogs with Stage B2 preclinical MMVD — dogs with asymptomatic disease showing moderate to loud mitral murmur and cardiomegaly — significantly extending the quality and duration of life.
Pimobendan works through a unique dual mechanism: it increases the sensitivity of cardiac myofilaments to calcium (positive inotropy) and inhibits phosphodiesterase Type III (vasodilation) — making the heart pump more efficiently while simultaneously reducing the pressure it works against. This combined cardiotonic and vasodilatory action delivers meaningful clinical improvement within days of starting treatment.
How to Use
Administer orally at a total daily dose of 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) body weight, divided into two portions administered approximately 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Administer approximately 1 hour before feeding. Use in combination with concurrent CHF therapy (e.g. furosemide) as directed by a veterinarian. Prescription only — for use under veterinary supervision. Do not use in dogs with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or Stage A/B1 preclinical MMVD. Keep out of reach of children. Available in 10 tablets (5 mg).
Composition
Per tablet: Pimobendan 5 mg. Excipients: Wheat Starch, Lactose Monohydrate, Macrogol 4000, Magnesium Stearate, Natural Beef Flavour.
Benefits
- Dual mechanism of action — improves heart contractility and reduces cardiac workload simultaneously.
- Delays the onset of congestive heart failure in Stage B2 preclinical MMVD.
- Manages mild, moderate, and severe CHF due to MMVD and dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Clinical improvement seen in as little as 7 days of treatment.
- Palatable beef-flavoured chewable tablet — easy to administer.
- Half-scored tablet allows precise dosing for dogs of all sizes.
