Cough after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

The FDA has received 427 reports of cough in dogs after Pimobendan. That is 7.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.8% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

427Reports

32%Marked serious

29%Recovered

12%Died or euthanised

61 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

35 13%

1–2 days

18 6.5%

3–7 days

18 6.5%

1–4 weeks

40 14%

Over a month

168 60%

How the animals did

Recovered

120 28%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 0.5%

Still unwell when reported

36 8.4%

Died

29 6.8%

Euthanised

22 5.2%

Not known

218 51%

Problems reported at the same time

86 20%

66 15%

59 14%

50 12%

31 7.3%

Abnormal radiograph finding

27 6.3%

Vomiting

27 6.3%

Swelling

26 6.1%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

185

12+ years

195

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 cough in dogs?: 427 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 61 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 cough