Pimobendan (Vetmedin®)
This information is intended for owners of dogs who have been prescribed pimobendan (Vetmedin®) by their veterinarian. Vetmedin is a prescription-only medicine, and is only available with a prescription from your veterinarian. Any question about your pet should be directed to your veterinarian.
What is Vetmedin?
Vetmedin is the first dual acting inodilator licensed in veterinary medicine, a breakthrough treatment for congestive heart failure resulting from myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. An inodilator is an agent with both inotropic (affecting the force of muscular contractions) and vasodilator (causing dilation of the blood vessels) effects. Vetmedin may be given alone, or alongside other medication.
How does Vetmedin work?
Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels as they leave the heart and so reduces the resistance to blood circulating around the body. This reduces the work that the heart has to do. At the same time, Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels that return blood to the heart, reducing pressure on the heart.
How is Vetmedin different from other treatments
Not only does Vetmedin open up the blood vessels, reducing resistance in the circulation and workload on the heart, it also differs from other commonly used heart drugs by helping the heart to pump more efficiently without increased energy expenditure.
How is Vetmedin given?
Vetmedin is given orally to dogs in either a flavoured tablet or capsule presentation, twice daily. 
How fast does Vetmedin work?
Pet owners should begin to see an improvement in their dog within a week1, although it is important to bear in mind that the severity of heart failure will vary from dog to dog, and this will affect how well the dog responds to treatment. It is also possible that the initial improvement witnessed after one week may be followed by further improvements in following weeks.
For further information on managing congestive heart failure as a result of MMVD in dogs, please visit www.questtrial.com.
References
1. Lombard C, Jöns O, Bussadori C. Clinical Efficacy of Pimobendan Versus Benazepril for the Treatment of Acquired Atrioventricular Valvular Disease in Dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006; 42: 249-261.