Use of Vetmedin for dogs. Detailed instructions and list of analogues

A diagnosis of a heart attack in your beloved dog is overwhelming. But don't panic. This disease is diagnosed in 10% of dogs, and in modern veterinary medicine there are ways to relieve unpleasant symptoms and prolong the life of a pet.

The most prescribed drug for heart failure in dogs is Vetmedin. This is an inotropic drug (drug) that improves the quality of life in animals with heart disease.

In the article, I looked at how effective the medication is, how it works, when it is prescribed, and the features of lifelong use. List of cheaper analogues.

Release form and composition

Vetmedin is a cardiotropic drug based on pimobendan. It is produced in Germany by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica.

Vetmedin for dogs is produced in 2 forms: tablets and solution for injection. Their composition, price and purpose differ.

Capsules are available in 4 dosages:

In addition to the active substance, the tablets contain auxiliary components: citric acid, cellulose, colloidal silicon, povidone, magnesium stearate. All forms, with the exception of 10 mg capsules, are flavored with meat flavor.

A solution in 1 ml contains 0.75 mg of pimobendan, as well as auxiliary components: sodium hydrogen phosphate and hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, water for injection. Available in bottles of 5 ml and 10 ml. The first packaging is most often found on sale and costs 2,600 rubles.

The main difference between Vetmedin tablets and solution is the application features. Thus, capsules are prescribed for life or in courses (rarely), and injections are prescribed once to relieve severe symptoms.

special instructions

If the dosage schedule is violated, the next dose of Vetmedin should be given to the dog as quickly as possible. Doubling the dosage at the next meal will not only be inappropriate, but also dangerous to the dog’s health.

The drug may lose some of its effectiveness when used simultaneously with other cardiac drugs.

Vetmedin should be used with caution in pregnant dogs and dogs that are breastfeeding. This is only advisable when the risk to the health of the bitch is higher than the risk to the health of the puppies.

Indications for use

Vetmedin is used in dogs with heart failure caused by:

• coronary diseases;
• dilated cardiomyopathy;
• insufficiency of the bicuspid or tricuspid valve.

It is important to understand that in case of heart failure, the heart does not deliver the required amount of blood and oxygen to the organs and tissues. This pathology cannot be left to chance: it threatens a heart attack and death of the pet. Therefore, at the first symptoms, contact a veterinarian for appropriate treatment. They will appear:

• cough;
• shortness of breath;
• rapid fatigue;
• accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum;
• enlargement of the heart.

Purpose

A diagnosis of heart failure is scary for dog owners. With this pathology, the heart does not fully perform its function and is not able to deliver the required volume of blood to all organs and tissues, with which oxygen and nutrients are transported.

The following symptoms may indicate heart failure:

• hard breath;
• dyspnea;
• cough;
• wheezing;
• rapid fatigue after physical activity;
• swelling of the limbs;
• accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites).

Important! In animals suffering from heart failure, this organ may be enlarged.

Heart pathologies in 5% of cases are congenital, in the remaining 95% - acquired. Almost all heart diseases in animals can be treated - the veterinary drug market offers medications that will relieve unpleasant symptoms and allow the pet to live a full life.

Vetmedin not only relieves the symptoms of the pathology, allowing the dog not to feel discomfort, but also significantly prolongs the life of an animal suffering from heart failure.

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If the pathology is not congenital, it develops in the presence of an underlying disease. These may be diseases of the cardiovascular system:

• Congenital heart defect;
• heart attack;
• cardiosclerosis;
• myocarditis, etc.

Heart disease can be caused by internal parasites, high blood pressure, and old age. Some dog breeds have a genetic predisposition to heart disease:

• Newfoundland;
• Doberman;
• Saint Bernard;
• shepherd;
• Mastino Neapolitan;
• spaniel and some small breeds.

The development of the disease can be influenced by everything - the animal’s lifestyle, its age, as well as its physical and psychological state. At the age of up to 1 year, heart failure is usually caused by genetic predisposition and congenital heart defects. Symptoms that should alert you:

• developmental delay in the puppy;
• decreased appetite;
• shortness of breath, hoarse breathing, rapid fatigue;
• cyanosis of the tongue and others.

Without treatment, the puppy cannot cope with the pathology. Vetmedin will help support heart function and prevent pathology from developing.

In adulthood, heart failure can develop as a complication of infectious diseases. The owner will be told about the acquired pathology:

• an increase in the pet’s body weight without a noticeable increase in appetite;
• weakness, lethargy, lack of interest in games, walks;
• shortness of breath not only during movement, but also at rest;
• fainting;
• increased thirst;
• cough with gagging, etc.

Over the years, a dog with cardiac pathology may experience poor coordination of movements, the stomach may look bloated, and the breathing rate may increase. The dog walks heavily, spreading its front paws wide, and staggers when walking. Appetite decreases, a dull cough appears.

It is impossible to restore youth to your pet, but you can significantly alleviate its condition with the help of modern cardiac medications that support cardiac function. Vetmedin is such a medicine.

How it works

The main substance of Vetmedin, pimobendan, has two effects:

1. Inotropic. Increases the force of contraction of the heart, thereby improving the flow of blood to tissues and organs. The action is achieved by increasing the sensitivity of the heart muscles to calcium and inhibiting phosphodiesterase III.
2. Vasodilating. Increases relaxation of the smooth muscles of blood vessels, causing them to dilate and facilitate blood flow to and from the heart.

The effectiveness of the drug depends on the condition of the dog. Typically, the first results are noticeable after a week and intensify with subsequent use.

According to the observations of veterinarians and dog owners, when the drug is discontinued, symptoms of heart failure quickly return. Therefore, Vetmedin is usually prescribed for life: use in courses is irrational.

Operating principle

When swallowed, tablets and capsules dissolve quickly, the components are absorbed into the tissue and enter the bloodstream. The maximum concentration of the drug is observed half an hour after administration. The drug is partially metabolized in the liver, but does not have a significant effect on healthy organs. It is excreted along with feces during the day. The drug is a low-toxic substance and does not cause gene changes or mutations.

The main active substance, pimobendan, increases the sensitivity of the heart muscles to calcium, stimulating cardiac output. At the same time, the drug dilates the vessel, improving blood flow and normalizing blood pressure.

Instructions for use of vetmedin and dosage

The action of the injection solution and tablets is different. Therefore, they are prescribed for different purposes.

So, injections are used to relieve an acute heart attack. They are administered once into a vein at a dosage of 0.15 mg of pimobendan per 1 kg of animal weight or 2 ml per 10 kg of dog weight. The remaining liquid is not used further: it loses its properties after opening the bottle.

Subsequent treatment is carried out using tablets. The capsules should be taken no earlier than 12 hours after the injection.

The tablets are fed to the dog an hour before meals. Usually the pets eat them themselves, and in case of refusal, they forcefully give the medicine: they put the capsule on the root of the tongue, close the mouth, raise the head up and stroke the throat so that the dog swallows.

The average daily dosage for dogs is 0.5 mg of pimobendan per 1 kg of weight. But it is selected individually for each animal depending on the severity of the disease and varies from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg. The daily dose is divided into 2 doses. A detailed diagram of the dacha is shown in the table:

The tablets are given in the morning and evening, at approximately the same time. If an appointment is missed, it is resumed as quickly as possible in the same manner.

Reviews of the drug Vetmedin for dogs

Briefly speaking about this drug, it can be said in just one sentence. If it weren't for these miracle pills, my dog ​​would not have lived very long. And with their help, she still feels fine. True, she has to be given pills constantly and she feels fine. They were prescribed to us by a veterinarian. And we drink them, as written in the instructions - 2 times a day, morning and evening. And improvement in heart function is felt immediately after each use. It’s a pity that this improvement doesn’t last long, but that’s not the fault of these pills. The price, of course, is high, but I don’t regret the money spent, because a friend’s health is more valuable.

Larisa, Kursk.

When my dog ​​got sick a year ago, I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her for a long time. She became lethargic. Although previously all I had done all the time was play, an incomprehensible cough began, although it did not look like a cold. First, I started looking for an answer on various veterinary websites. And at one of them I learned that this could be signs of heart failure. After reading this, I decided to see a veterinarian.

The doctor confirmed what was written on this site. And he prescribed us treatment with Vetmedin. And thanks to him I managed to save my dog. I want to say thank you to everyone who helped me save the life of my dog ​​and the site on which I found information about heart failure. After all, without this site I would not even have had any suspicions about this. The veterinarian who prescribed the correct treatment. And, of course, to the creators of Vetmedin, which saved her life.

Svetlana, Moscow.

Unfortunately, in older dogs, heart failure is not such a rare occurrence, so it is good that there is such a remedy as Vetmedin, which can be easily purchased in veterinary pharmacies and on various online shopping sites for animals.
This product helps us very well, despite the fact that it is expensive. But you yourself understand that health is priceless. And for any person who has a dog in their home, it is a member of the family. Therefore, he will do everything to help him. It’s a pity, of course, that heart failure cannot be cured completely, but with the help of these tablets you can extend your dog’s life and make it easier. Love, Samara.

Contraindications and side effects

Vetmedin belongs to hazard class 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76 - low-hazard substances. But it has a number of contraindications and side effects.

The drug is prohibited from use:

• for pathologies due to which cardiac ejection of blood is impossible for functional or anatomical reasons: aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, etc.;
• for liver diseases, since the medication is excreted mainly by this gland;
• puppies up to six months;
• pregnant and lactating bitches - used only if the risk to the dog outweighs the danger to fetuses or newborns;
• dogs with congenital heart disease;
• animals with diabetes mellitus and other severe endocrine disorders;
• in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Also, Vetmedin should not be taken simultaneously with the beta blocker propranolol and calcium channel blockers, as they weaken the effect of pimobendan. But it can be prescribed together with the cardiac glycoside ouabain.

Dogs usually tolerate drugs well, but sometimes it is possible:

• decreased appetite;
• lethargy, drowsiness, apathy;
• diarrhea and vomiting;
• shortness of breath;
• azotemia;
• impaired coordination of movements.

Also, if the dosage is incorrectly selected or exceeded, dogs may experience vomiting, apathy, tachycardia, heart murmurs, and hypotension. In this case, the drug is discontinued and treatment is prescribed aimed at removing the medication from the body: detoxicants and agents that normalize water and electrolyte balance. Afterwards, therapy can be resumed by changing the dose of Vetmedin.

Injections are always given intravenously. In case of accidental subcutaneous injection, swelling, burning and inflammation appear.

General information about the disease

The diagnosis of “heart failure” is made in such a pathological condition when the animal’s heart, for various reasons, is not able to provide the body with sufficient blood circulation intensity for life. As a result, a lack of oxygen and nutrients occurs in the tissues and, as a result, the brain suffers.

In such cases, the doctor may prescribe the drug VeVetmedin for treatment. General information and dosage of the medicine will be discussed below.

Analogues of the drug

Vetmedin is a unique drug. It has few analogues, and all of them are generics: that is, with completely identical composition, indications, contraindications, side effects and dosages.

Owner reviews

Boris: “A male Italian greyhound developed heart problems at the age of 14.5 years. We started taking Vetmedin: the effect was amazing, I ran like a young man. After some serious difficulties with money arose, I had to give up the drug. The dog immediately became worse. As soon as the financial situation returned to normal, they started giving me pills again, and my condition immediately improved.”

Anna: “In the first week of treatment, my dog’s shortness of breath decreased, his “heart” cough disappeared, and his activity increased. And on ultrasound, the indicators became stable after 4-5 months of use.”

Kirill: “My 10-year-old springer spaniel suddenly became weak and began to suffer from shortness of breath. Then I suddenly lost consciousness while walking. They immediately rushed to the clinic, where they diagnosed the malfunction of the heart valve. The veterinarian prescribed Vetmedin, Furosemide to remove fluid, and then Benazepril. The reaction was magical! In a couple of weeks, the dog turned from a dying old man into an active teenager. I even had to calm down his ardor.”

Pharmacological properties

Pimobendan has a positive inotropic and vasodilating effect. When taken, the force with which the heart contracts increases and the load on it decreases when heart failure is diagnosed.

After consumption, it is quickly absorbed and its availability to the body is about 60%. It breaks down fairly quickly and is excreted by the dog’s body, mostly in feces. It is a low-toxic medicine (class 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76).

Veterinarian's findings

Vetmedin is an indispensable drug for heart disease in dogs.
In my experience, patients on this medication significantly increase their quality of life and increase their duration. And side effects occur rarely and, mainly, with an incorrectly selected dosage: in this case, it is worth stopping the drug for a while, removing its remnants from the body, and choosing the appropriate dose. I prescribe Vetmedin for life and am against interrupting treatment, despite its high cost. In this case, the pet quickly returns to its original severe condition, which often worsens even more.

If the owners are limited in finances, it is better to choose a cheaper analogue: Belarusian Pimobendan, Czech HartMedine or Latvian PimoPet. Their action is the same. The only thing is that side effects with Vetmedin still occur less frequently and are less pronounced.

Vetmedin is a lifesaver for dogs with heart failure. The survival rate on it is 91% higher than when taking other cardiotropic drugs. The only difficulties previously arose with delivery. Until 2016, the drug was not registered in Russia; it had to be imported illegally and there was a long wait. This wait has ruined many dogs. But now the only difficulty is finding money for medicine.

Rules for using the medicine

To maximize the effectiveness of the drug and avoid side effects, you must strictly follow the instructions for use of the medicine and the doctor’s recommendations. Do not change the dose yourself, do not skip doses and remember the safety rules:

1. Do not eat or drink while you are giving the medicine.
2. Wash your hands after handling the tablets.
3. If your skin is sensitive, use rubber gloves.
4. If the composition gets on the mucous membranes of the eyes, rinse them with clean running water.

Children and animals should not have access to the drug. Its use after the expiration date is strictly prohibited.