Seizures after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

The FDA has received 319 reports of seizures in dogs after Pimobendan. That is 5.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.4% across reports for all dog medicines.

319Reports

75%Marked serious

29%Recovered

22%Died or euthanised

9 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

43 22%

1–2 days

24 13%

3–7 days

24 13%

1–4 weeks

34 18%

Over a month

67 35%

How the animals did

Recovered

91 29%

Recovered with lasting effects

3 0.9%

Still unwell when reported

48 15%

Died

33 10%

Euthanised

38 12%

Not known

106 33%

Problems reported at the same time

71 22%

41 13%

41 13%

40 13%

36 11%

26 8.2%

26 8.2%

25 7.8%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

199

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 seizures in dogs?: 319 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 9 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 seizures