Weak pulse after Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor) in dogs

28 reports to the FDA describe weak pulse in dogs given Dexmedetomidine. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

28Reports

89%Marked serious

29%Recovered

61%Died or euthanised

Same dayTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

15 60%

1–2 days

2 8.0%

3–7 days

4 16%

1–4 weeks

0 0.0%

Over a month

4 16%

How the animals did

Recovered

7 25%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 3.6%

Still unwell when reported

3 11%

Died

9 32%

Euthanised

8 29%

Problems reported at the same time

17 61%

11 39%

10 36%

10 36%

9 32%

9 32%

8 29%

7 25%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Dexmedetomidine sedation and pain relief (also an oral gel for noise anxiety).

Products with this ingredient include Dexdomitor, Sileo. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Dexmedetomidine cause weak pulse in dogs?: 28 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within the same day of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

All reported side effects of Dexmedetomidine in dogs · Medicines most reported with weak pulse