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What Are the Side Effects of Vetmedin for Dogs – How and Why This Drug Works!

Vetmedin is a drug that treats congestive heart failure in dogs. It’s also called Pimobendan. The benefits of this drug include immediately alleviating symptoms as well as improving longevity.

And just like every other medical drug out there, Vetmedin or Pimobendan has potential side effects. Nonetheless, in general terms and scenarios, the medicine is safe for our four-legged creatures. It becomes a part of the dog’s lifelong treatment because of the ability of the drug to improve his/her quality of life despite heart failure.

But then you should know ALL about the drug since it can cause your pet’s heart to go off rhythm as well. After all, it does increase the force or capacity of the heart, so what would stop it from causing that organ to get off track (a condition known as arrhythmias).

So how about I inform you about its efficacy, potential side effects, and also about Vetmedin or Pimobendan poisoning?

Let Me Start with the SIDE EFFECTS of Vetmedin

The medication Vetmedin comes in the form of chewable tablets too – 1.25 milligrams and 5 milligrams. Normally, one tablet, an hour prior to mealtime, every 12 hours is prescribed. BUT please follow your vet’s instructions and not what you read off the internet.

A highly unlikely side effect of this particular medication includes vomiting. Although appetite loss and diarrhea may also occur. The list includes uneasiness, seizures, and loss of coordination as well.

The contracting ability of the dog’s heart might get affected too. That is why dogs on Vetmedin or Pimobendan are supervised carefully to check for arrhythmia.

Please note that if any major side effects come up, you should stop Vetmedin immediately and also seek medical assistance. Here are some serious side effects associated with this drug…

• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Shock
• Difficulty in breathing (labored breathing)
• Face, lips, or tongue swelling up (or any other such allergic reaction)
• Scratching
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness, weakness, or fainting
• Lack of appetite
• Incoordination
• Cough (due to fluid accumulation in the dog’s lungs or his/her abdomen)
• Pale gums
• Coma

Contact the vet right away if any of these side effects start to appear. No doubt, your dog will be bothered or troubled by them.

Vetmedin – Medication to Treat Heart Disease In Dogs

The medical condition of degenerative mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy is linked with congestive heart failure in dogs. To treat the same, veterinarians usually prescribe Pimobendan, whose brand name is Vetmedin.

The medicine helps the heart to efficiently pump blood. And it does so by opening blood vessels that lead to the heart and from it. After administering the said drug, the heart rate of the animal goes down while his/her heart contractility increases.

Also, Vetmedin relives heart pressure as well. But it’s always best to speak to a certified, medical professional i.e. a vet about such kinds of drugs. They will certainly give you the most appropriate and correct advice.

Vetmedin – Its Efficacy & Benefits As A Drug

The drug Vetmedin takes no longer than a week to show its efficacy. Your dog will experience improvement within just a week of being on Pimobendan or Vetmedin treatment.

But for long-term improvement, it usually takes a few weeks for the medicine to have an impact on the body. It’s also likely that the dog will have to be on the drug throughout his/her life.

This research study is proof that dogs taking Vetmedin stay alive for longer (9-15 whole months longer) in comparison to those on other cardiac medication.

The benefits include alleviating the suffering caused due to congestive heart disease, increasing the lifespan plus bettering the quality of life of pets, and boosting the heart’s capacity to pump blood.

Vetmedin or Pimobendan Poisoning In Dogs – An Overview

When the need arises to increase the heart’s ability to pump blood, in dogs of course, Pimobendan is administered or prescribed by vets. The drug is given for certain types of heart diseases, this includes CHF (cardiac heart failure), mitral valve insufficiency, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

An inotrope, Vetmedin is most commonly used to treat congestive heart failure or disease in dogs. It slows down the functioning of the phosphodiesterase enzymes, which are responsible for opening blood vessels and making protein more calcium-sensitive. And that, in turn, results in a more effective contraction of the heart.

And now comes the tasty chewable form of the medicine, thus chances of Vetmedin or Pimobendan poisoning. If your naughty little pooch has access to the drug, he/she is very likely to end up consuming more of these yummy chewable tablets. So please keep them out of reach.

This is heart medication that’s supposed to be prescribed by vets only. You obviously don’t want the whole experience to turn toxic or dangerous, which could involve side effects like diarrhea, convulsions, vomiting, rapid heart rate, collapse, and sometimes even death.

The effects, no doubt, can get life-threatening very quickly. And you may think it’s because of some other illness or common virus or something like that. At such times, we often neglect the symptoms under the presumption that everything will be alright eventually and then realize, when it’s too late, that immediate medical attention is required.

In that case, make it a point to see the vet as soon as possible on the slightest hint of something appearing or going wrong after your dog has accidentally ingested Pimobendan.

This type of poisoning is either acute or chronic. The former consists of consuming a heavy dosage, which results in immediate toxicosis. While chronic Pimobendan poisoning is when small amounts of the medicine are taken more regularly, thus causing gradual toxicosis.

Vetmedin or Pimobendan Poisoning In Dogs – Symptoms

These may be mild – weakness, upset stomach, and the like. In short, those generally associated with common conditions such as anxiety, virus, etc. Or maybe no warning signs appear at all, that could also be a possibility.

But if the dog is on medication and if he/she has consumed Vetmedin or Pimobendan more than is necessary, the following symptoms are inevitable…

• Gagging
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Dehydration or increased thirst
• Fainting or collapse
• Lethargy or weakness
• Appetite loss
• Irregular pulse
• Elevated heart rate or weak pulse
• Heart murmur
• Too much urination or urinary accidents
• Itchy skin
• Low blood pressure
• Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or lungs
• Sticky, dark stools
• Difficulty in breathing, hives, or other such allergic reactions
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Shaking or trembling
• Seizures
• No control over bodily movements
• Increased respiratory rate
• Staggering
• Restlessness or uneasiness
• Weight loss

You Know When to Contact the Vet Then for Treatment!

As for the treatment of Vetmedin or Pimobendan poisoning in dogs, it’s obviously highly advisable to speak to the vet about it. Get to the clinic immediately if you can or contact your vet if that’s possible for the most effective treatment as soon as possible.

When it comes to finding answers to questions like these, what are the side effects of Vetmedin for dogs, always rely on the guidance of a trained, certified medical professional instead of Google. Do it for the sake of your little adorable creature, who deserves only the best treatment and care from you!