Weight loss after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

The FDA has received 177 reports of weight loss in dogs after Pimobendan. That is 3.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

177Reports

54%Marked serious

7.3%Recovered

26%Died or euthanised

29 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

17 16%

1–2 days

11 10%

3–7 days

9 8.4%

1–4 weeks

17 16%

Over a month

53 50%

How the animals did

Recovered

11 6.2%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 1.1%

Still unwell when reported

34 19%

Died

25 14%

Euthanised

21 12%

Not known

84 47%

Problems reported at the same time

85 48%

51 29%

47 27%

44 25%

42 24%

41 23%

34 19%

29 16%

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 weight loss in dogs?: 177 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 29 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 weight loss