Swelling after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

145 reports to the FDA describe swelling in dogs given Pimobendan. That is 2.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.8% across reports for all dog medicines.

145Reports

51%Marked serious

13%Recovered

28%Died or euthanised

30 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

17 21%

1–2 days

2 2.5%

3–7 days

7 8.8%

1–4 weeks

16 20%

Over a month

38 48%

How the animals did

Recovered

18 12%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 0.7%

Still unwell when reported

16 11%

Died

21 14%

Euthanised

19 13%

Not known

70 48%

Problems reported at the same time

41 28%

35 24%

28 19%

26 18%

22 15%

21 14%

17 12%

Abnormal radiograph finding

16 11%

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 swelling in dogs?: 145 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 30 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 swelling