Breathing problems after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

461 reports to the FDA describe breathing problems in dogs given Pimobendan. That is 8.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

461Reports

63%Marked serious

20%Recovered

31%Died or euthanised

15 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

75 25%

1–2 days

40 13%

3–7 days

18 6.0%

1–4 weeks

43 14%

Over a month

122 41%

How the animals did

Recovered

89 19%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 0.4%

Still unwell when reported

61 13%

Died

70 15%

Euthanised

75 16%

Not known

164 36%

Problems reported at the same time

144 31%

121 26%

104 23%

86 19%

52 11%

Restlessness or agitation

44 9.5%

Liver problems

41 8.9%

Diarrhea

41 8.9%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

172

12+ years

224

About this medicine

Pimobendan treats heart failure and some heart disease.

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

Questions owners ask

Can Pimobendan cause breathing problems in dogs?: 461 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 15 days 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 Pimobendan in dogs · Medicines most reported with breathing problems