Kidney problems after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

The FDA has received 352 reports of kidney problems in dogs after Pimobendan. That is 6.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

352Reports

53%Marked serious

6.0%Recovered

28%Died or euthanised

43 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

17 8.9%

1–2 days

25 13%

3–7 days

9 4.7%

1–4 weeks

33 17%

Over a month

106 56%

How the animals did

Recovered

21 6.0%

Still unwell when reported

64 18%

Died

47 13%

Euthanised

52 15%

Not known

168 48%

Problems reported at the same time

149 42%

124 35%

108 31%

101 29%

86 24%

69 20%

61 17%

42 12%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

236

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 kidney problems in dogs?: 352 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 43 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 kidney problems