Itching after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

217 reports to the FDA describe itching in dogs given Pimobendan. That is 3.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.3% across reports for all dog medicines.

217Reports

30%Marked serious

22%Recovered

6.5%Died or euthanised

12 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

30 21%

1–2 days

16 11%

3–7 days

17 12%

1–4 weeks

27 19%

Over a month

53 37%

How the animals did

Recovered

42 19%

Recovered with lasting effects

5 2.3%

Still unwell when reported

28 13%

Died

8 3.7%

Euthanised

6 2.8%

Not known

128 59%

Problems reported at the same time

Vomiting

19 8.8%

Breathing problems

18 8.3%

Skin rash or irritation

17 7.8%

17 7.8%

17 7.8%

16 7.4%

16 7.4%

16 7.4%

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 itching in dogs?: 217 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 12 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 itching