Falling after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

59 reports to the FDA describe falling in dogs given Pimobendan. That is 1.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

59Reports

56%Marked serious

31%Recovered

17%Died or euthanised

15 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

13 30%

1–2 days

3 6.8%

3–7 days

5 11%

1–4 weeks

4 9.1%

Over a month

19 43%

How the animals did

Recovered

17 29%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 1.7%

Still unwell when reported

12 20%

Died

4 6.8%

Euthanised

6 10%

Not known

19 32%

Problems reported at the same time

18 31%

14 24%

12 20%

10 17%

10 17%

10 17%

9 15%

8 14%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 falling in dogs?: 59 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 falling