Vetmedin proving helpful
in heart disease control

VETMEDIN (Pimobendan) is the first of a relatively new type of medication for certain heart conditions, called inodilators. It is usually used along with other heart medications for dogs with congestive heart failure caused by either dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM - where the heart becomes enlarged and is unable to work properly) or degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD - where the mitral valve fails to close and blood falls back from the left ventricle into the left atrium. This is just one of the conditions that cause the heart to become enlarged). Veterinary cardiologists are now using this drug more often as it has proved most valuable in the treatment of such conditions.

This drug works by helping the heart to pump more efficiently and in this way it has a very different action to that of any other heart medication. It opens the blood vessels that take blood to and from the heart which means that the heart doesn't have to work so hard and benefits from the lessening of the pressure. Many dogs on this medication have lived much longer that they were expected to survive when initially diagnosed.

Another point in its favour is that side-effects are almost non-existent. A very small proportion of dogs taking this medication will vomit, but that is rare, and the only side-effect noted so far. Any dog who develops this side-effect should visit their vet for assessment. There are no reports either of bad drug interactions with Vetmedin, but it is not recommended for use while the dog is taking a PDE (phosphodiesterase) inhibitor such as theophylline, which causes the heart to pump harder.With such very good publicity it can be understood that Vetmedin has gained huge popularity in all the countries where it is in common use.

It has been reported that huge improvements have been seen where dogs have been on Vetmedin for only a week. Their health usually improves for several weeks and for many who have been restricted in their activities, their quality of life is also improved. Such dogs will usually stay on the medication for the rest of their lives.

A study published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association found that of the 76 dogs in the study group with heart failure caused by valvular disease, half of the group had no symptoms of heart disease within seven days.

Vetmedin should not be used for dogs with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump) or aortic stenosis (the abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve which impedes the flow of blood to the arteries - it can be caused by a number of conditions). It is also not recommended for dogs with heart disease prior to the onset of congestive heart failure, as there is no current study that shows any benefit to the dog by early medication.

With such good publicity Vetmedin is sure to be requested by anxious owners, but if your dog has a heart condition you must remember that Vetmedin is indicated only for specific conditions - it will not help all heart conditions. Be guided by your vet and make sure you medicate your pet exactly as advised.