Liver problems after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

353 reports to the FDA describe liver problems in dogs given Pimobendan. That is 6.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines.

353Reports

50%Marked serious

6.5%Recovered

17%Died or euthanised

46 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

19 9.8%

1–2 days

17 8.8%

3–7 days

8 4.1%

1–4 weeks

38 20%

Over a month

111 58%

How the animals did

Recovered

21 5.9%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 0.6%

Still unwell when reported

63 18%

Died

34 9.6%

Euthanised

25 7.1%

Not known

208 59%

Problems reported at the same time

124 35%

112 32%

92 26%

66 19%

62 18%

58 16%

41 12%

Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt)

36 10%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

116

12+ years

196

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 liver problems in dogs?: 353 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 46 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 liver problems