FAQs
When and how to use VETMEDIN
Q: Is VETMEDIN safe for use in all dogs?
A: VETMEDIN should not be given in case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons.
The safety of VETMEDIN has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The safe use of VETMEDIN has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes mellitus or other serious metabolic diseases, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant or lactating bitches. Use only in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure.
Q: What happens if a pet owner forgets to give one of the VETMEDIN daily doses?
A: Instruct the pet owner to wait until the next scheduled dosing time and resume the normal twice-daily (every 12 hours) pattern of dosing.
Q: What should be done in an acute overdose situation?
A: There is no specific antidote for an overdose of VETMEDIN. Contact 866-638-2226 for technical support.
Q: What should be done if a dog vomits shortly after dosing?
A: Please call BIVI Technical Services to report the suspected adverse event at 866-638-2226. Some dogs in our clinical trials experienced transient mild vomiting that resolved after a few doses. If vomiting is severe or persistent, discontinue the medication and call BIVI Technical Services at 866-638-2226.
Q: Is there a maximum duration of administration for VETMEDIN?
A: No, there is no limit on the period of time VETMEDIN can be administered to a patient.1,2
Events and programs
Resources
Q: What is the Cardiac Education Group?
A: The Cardiac Education Group (CEG) is a group of board-certified veterinary
cardiologists from both academia and private practice that offers independent
recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of canine heart disease.
The group provides resources and information on the diagnosis, treatment, and
management of heart disease and heart failure in dogs to promote early detection
and diagnosis with greater accuracy and confidence.
Visit the CEG website at www.cardiaceducationgroup.org. You’ll find many free tools to help simplify canine
heart disease diagnosis and treatment.
Canine heart disease
Q: What is myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)?
A: As its name suggests, MMVD affects the mitral valve located on the left side of the heart between the atrium and the ventricle. MMVD is a slowly progressive disease in which the mitral valve thickens over time. Normally, when they close, heart valves form a perfect seal ensuring that blood flows in the right direction through the heart. The function of the mitral valve is to channel blood from the left atrium into the left ventricle. However, when MMVD occurs, the thickening of the mitral valve results in an imperfect seal and allows blood to “leak” backward into the atrium as the ventricle contracts.
Q: What is the difference between AVVI and DCM in dogs?
A: AVVI and DCM are the 2 most common causes of canine heart disease with AVVI
accounting for about 75% of canine cases of heart disease seen in veterinary clinics
in the US.3,4 AVVI tends to have a long preclinical phase lasting from months to
years and is a slow-progressing degenerative disease5 that damages heart valve
leaflets.
DCM has a preclinical phase as well but, unlike AVVI, tends to progress rapidly.
DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that causes loss of myocardial contractility.
DCM is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in certain breeds.4 In North America, the Doberman Pinscher is the most commonly affected breed.4
Both AVVI and DCM ultimately lead to CHF in dogs and require prompt treatment at
the first appearance of clinical signs to improve and lengthen life.
References:
1. VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets [package insert]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2007. 2. VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets [Freedom of Information Summary]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2007. 3. Atkins C, Bonagura J, Ettinger S, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of canine chronic valvular heart disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2009;23(6):1142–1150. 4. O’Grady MR, Minors SL, O’Sullivan ML, Horne R. Effect of pimobendan on case fatality rate in Doberman pinschers with congestive heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med. 2008;22(4):897–904. 5. Lombard CW, Jöns O, Bussadori CM; for the VetSCOPE Study. Clinical efficacy of pimobendan versus benazepril for the treatment of acquired atrioventricular valvular disease in dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42(4):249–261.
VETMEDIN is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH,
licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.