Loss of appetite after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

The FDA has received 869 reports of loss of appetite in dogs after Pimobendan. That is 15% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 8.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

869Reports

44%Marked serious

22%Recovered

20%Died or euthanised

10 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

102 19%

1–2 days

89 16%

3–7 days

63 12%

1–4 weeks

85 16%

Over a month

204 38%

How the animals did

Recovered

178 20%

Recovered with lasting effects

9 1.0%

Still unwell when reported

123 14%

Died

90 10%

Euthanised

86 9.9%

Not known

383 44%

Problems reported at the same time

330 38%

276 32%

215 25%

177 20%

149 17%

112 13%

104 12%

85 9.8%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

272

12+ years

497

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 loss of appetite in dogs?: 869 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 10 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 loss of appetite