What is Pimobendan Poisoning?
Pimobendan is a drug used for dogs to increase their heart’s pumping ability, which is usually given to dogs with certain kinds of heart disease. Some of these are congestive heart failure (CHF), dilated cardiomyopathy, and mitral valve insufficiency. It is an inotrope used for congestive heart disease and heart failure in dogs. Pimobendan works by slowing the function of phosphodiesterase enzymes that open the blood vessels and makes the proteins in the heart more sensitive to calcium, which helps it to contract more effectively. It is usually given with other medications like digoxin and ACE inhibitors. Because this medication has been made to taste good to your dog, and it comes in chewable tablets, a toxic dosage of pimobendan is possible if your dog has access.
Pimobendan (Vetmedin) is a commonly prescribed heart medication used by veterinarians. In some cases, pimobendan has been known to cause rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, collapse, convulsions, and possibly death if not treated right away. In addition, if given to a dog without a heart condition, the effects can be life-threatening immediately. This type of drug toxicity can be mistaken for other illnesses, such as a virus, and may be overlooked until it is too late. That is why it is important to see your veterinarian right away if you even suspect that your dog has ingested pimobendan. There are two types of pimobendan poisoning, which are acute (taking a large dose causing immediate toxicosis) or chronic (taking small amounts on a regular basis, causing a gradual toxicosis).
Pimobendan Poisoning Average Cost
From 56 quotes ranging from $300 - $300
Average Cost
$650
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Pimobendan Poisoning in Dogs
Your dog may not show any signs of toxicity right away, and some of the mild symptoms, such as stomach upset and weakness, may be overlooked as a virus or anxiety. However, if your dog has gotten into the medication, you are likely to notice that the bottle or blister pack the pills came in are on the floor or chewed on. Anytime you think your dog may have ingested a medication of any kind; it is vital that you call your veterinarian or get your dog to a pet hospital or clinic. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms are:
- Allergic reaction (breathing difficulty, hives)
- Collapse
- Cough
- Coughing
- Dark sticky stool (melena)
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Elevated heart rate
- Fainting (syncope)
- Fluid accumulation in the lungs and/or abdomen (ascites)
- Gagging
- Heart murmur
- Increased respiratory rate
- Increased thirst and urination
- Irregular pulse
- Itchy skin (pruritus)
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of bodily movements (ataxia)
- Low blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Shaking
- Staggering
- Sudden death
- Trembling
- Urinary accidents
- Vomiting
- Weak pulse
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Types
- Acute pimobendan poisoning is caused by an ingestion of a large amount of the drug at once (such as with accidental overdose or if your dog gets into the medication
- Chronic pimobendan poisoning is caused by a small amount given on a regular basis
Causes of Pimobendan Poisoning in Dogs
- Accidental overdose by owner
- Dog ingesting medication left out in his reach
- Giving the medication to the wrong dog
Diagnosis of Pimobendan Poisoning in Dogs
A full body examination will be done, which will include abdominal palpation, vision and hearing check, reflexes, heart rate, oxygen level, blood pressure, and body temperature. The veterinarian will also need your dog’s complete medical history, recent illnesses, injuries, abnormal behavior, and vaccination records.
Some laboratory tests will also be performed, such as serum electrolyte levels, protein and glucose, complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and fecal examination. The veterinarian will be looking for a decrease in the platelet count, increased phosphates, high blood glucose and liver enzymes, and an increase in protein in the urine and blood.
Chest and abdominal images through radiographs (x-rays) may be done to get a look at the heart and lungs. If the veterinarian suspects damage, CT scans, ultrasound, and possibly an MRI may be used to get a better view. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can be done to measure the heart’s electrical and muscular activity.
Treatment of Pimobendan Poisoning in Dogs
The treatment for acute pimobendan poisoning is to induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal to bind with the medication so it can be eliminated more safely. In cases of chronic pimobendan poisoning, the damage from the toxicity has already been done, so the treatment will depend on which organs are affected by the drug.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Pimobendan Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog gets treatment right away for acute pimobendan poisoning, chances for recovery are good, depending on the dose taken and health of your dog. However, in the case of chronic poisoning, recovery chances are not good and will depend on the amount of damage done by the medication. To keep this from happening again, be sure to keep this and all other medication out of your dog’s reach.
Pimobendan poisoning can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Pimobendan Poisoning Average Cost
From 56 quotes ranging from $300 - $300
Average Cost
$650
Top
Pimobendan Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pomeranian
Fourteen Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No
Got different dogs meds. It was 1/4 of a pill.
July 23, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Pimobendan has a high dose of safety, so it is unlikely that you have a problem unless you had a very large dog and a very small dog got the dosage. Without the weights of your dogs and the dosage of the pill, it is not possible to comment on what might happen It would probably be best to call your veterinarian, or a 24-hour clinic in your neighborhood, and give them the weights of your dog's, the weight of the dog that may have eaten the pill, and the dosage of the pill that hevateva 1/4 of a tablet of. They will be able to let you know if that is a problem or not once they have more information. I hope that all goes well.
July 23, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
French Bulldog
Thirteen Weeks
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My 13 week accidentalky ingested 1.25mg vetmedin and 1.25mg enelapril
July 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
I'm sorry that your puppy has done this. Those are both drugs that may lower the blood pressure, and you make notice that your dog is weak. Otherwise they should not cause any long-term problems. I would keep an eye on your puppy, and if they are sleeping deeply where you cannot rouse them, then I would take them to see a veterinarian. Otherwise, I can't see this having any long-term effects.
July 9, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
chihuahua mix
Ava
17 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
Mild, Intermittent Cough; Panting;
Coughing, Panting
My 17 year old 12 lb dog was diagnosed with Class III degenerative heart failure with grade IV heart murmur, enlarged heart, MVD three weeks ago with and I started her on furosimide 12.5 mg 2x a day and vetmedin 1.25 (one and a half tabs) 2x a day. She is not yet on an ACEi because she has low blood pressure. I got a follow up blood panel two weeks later and her BUN was way high out of range and her creatine was also high. Prior to the medication, these values were within range but her SDMA showed early detection of kidney failure. When I followed up with the vet cardiologist, he said my dog's furosimide dosage was the lowest possible dosage and suggested that I increase her vetmedin dosage to 3x a day to increase blood flow to her kidney. On the other hand, the primary vet who ran the blood test suggested I decrease her furosimide to once a day because of the increased kidney values. Also, auscultation of her lungs had no indication of any sound or crackling and the thoracic x-ray showed her lungs were now clear. Even prior to furosimide, her coughs were minimal...usually one quick cough a day, usually after getting up. She occasionally has panting episodes which last no longer than one minute. Her respiration (previously mid to high 30s) stabilized at around 20 bpm after the two weeks of furosimide but increased to about 28 bpm after I took her off furosimide for one week. I am at a loss about what to do with this delicate balance between her heart and kidney. I added a daily Vetriscience heart supplemental vitamin and Welactin omega-3 fish oil in the hopes that I can minimize her furosimide dosage to prolong her kidney function. What do you suggest I do at this time about her furosimide and vetmedin, given the different advice given between my primary vet and the cardiologist?
Aug. 20, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Ava myself and not seeing her medical files it is very difficult for me to legally weigh in with an opinion, however I would be more on the side of your Cardiologist. Minimum dosage of furosemide may be found in the link below, but I think it is important to keep administering the furosemide. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.msdvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-urinary-system/diuretics
Aug. 20, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Boston Terrier
Patty
13 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fecal Incontinence
Diarrhea For Months
Are there alternatives to Vetmedin? My dog has been sick for the last 7 months, she has had tests, diet changes, the whole 9, but I swear it all started when she started this drug, but nobody is listening to me. I’d like to try an alternative, if one exists. Please help.
July 25, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
There is not a good alternative to that medication, but Enalapril is another heart medication that acts sort of similarly. I have not heard of those issues from that medication, but if Patty has been having those problems since starting the medication, you may be able to stop it for a week or so and see if things clear up. Be sure to discuss any changes in her medication with your veterinarian, as I cannot see her and do not know anything about her condition.
July 25, 2018
Our 19 year old Rat Terrier just went on Vetmedin 12 days ago and today is having very loose stools. So there must be something to this. We're probably heading to our vet tomorrow to check.
Aug. 20, 2018
Carol M.
Hi Patty I have done a lot of research and been to holistic and regular vets and ER vets for my yorkie’s CHF diagnosis. When he started on pimobendan he would starve himself and would sniff everything like he was starving but then wouldn’t actually eat. I tried people food dog food vet food everything! Then I researched and saw what a lot of us pet moms wrote... pimobendan has some nasty side affects vets either don’t see or don’t want to believe. I found several forum comments from owners who took their dogs off pimobendan and put them on an herbal homeopathic medication for their heart and they got amazing results. I ordered some for my yorkie but luckily after two months on the pimo he seems to have adjusted and is now eating again! So I would say if your pup is still not doing well after a month or two talk to your vet and try the herbal supplement from Pet Wellbeing called Young at Heart. I read it was vet approved. The company says not to mix it with the pimo so I haven’t yet tried it but my yorkie is now showing side affects of shaking and trembling from the meds so I think I’m going to try it next. Prayers and hugs for your baby. ❤️❤️🙏🙏
Sept. 15, 2018
Shanna M.
Was this question and answer helpful?
Chihuahua
Chihuahua
14 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Collapse
Is Pimobemdan used regularly as an emergency treatment for congestive heart failure. My 14 year old Chihuahua was diagnosed 5 years ago with CHF and have been on medications since then. She was on enalapril for long time and furosemide for the first few years. She recently had a fainting episode and I rushed her to the emergency room. They gave her oxygen and furosemide and Torbugesic while they ran test. They confirmed heart was in heart failure again. They noted on the medical summary she was breathing fine with less effort. However, an hour later they gave her furosemide, Torbugesic and Pimobendan. I got to see her half an hour after that and showed concern because she was having rapid breathing while in the oxygen cage. Alerted the technician then I went home as they wanted to admit her for oxygen, meds and observation. Around 12:15 I got home, showered and immediately got a call from the vet's office that my dog was on her side, eyes rolling side to side and seemed to be having a neurological episode. The vet gave her more furosemide and Torbugesic at this time. We rushed there and she was in the most horrifying condition. Like she was in shock, unresponsive and having respiratory distress. After a few minutes she was coming out of it and was responsive to my voice and touch and actually was trying to get up several times. Then the vet said she will be going into arrest soon and to euthanize. Please don't judge me but I said no. She went to the back and grabbed 2 syringes not sure what they were as she didn't tell me and gave it to my dog. The report says it was furosemide but it didn't mention what the other one was. After those injections my dogs heart rate dropped dramatically from the range of 140 when we got there to the 130's then after the two shots down to 58 then she just just faded out. What happened here? I cannot sleep, and eat as I feel that either she was either overdose, had an adverse reaction to the Pimobendan and the vet failed to recognize it. Please help me clarify what happened here.
July 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
I'm sorry that that happened to your dog, that is very sad. Unfortunately, without knowing what medications were given, I don't have any way of knowing what might have happened, but the drugs that you know they gave are quite appropriate for a dog in heart failure. Pimobendan isn't an emergency drug, but is commonly used to help the heart work better. Furosemide is given in a heart related emergency, and Torbugesic is a safe sedative to help calm dogs down. If the veterinarian taking care of her felt that she was going to pass away, there was probably a reason for that, and her dying may have been inevitable, sadly. I know it is hard to lose a beloved pet, but sometimes there really is nothing that can be done, as hard as we try. If you need more answers, you are always able to discuss what happened with the veterinarian that took care of her.
July 13, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Pit bull
T-bone
6 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Slobbering
Racing Heart
My pit bull who is 6 years old and 56 pounds was diagnosed today with an enlarged heart. They prescribed vetmedin 5mg twice a day. After the first dose his heart is racing, he is slobbering, and he just isn't his self. Is this normal after the first dose?
Pimobendan Poisoning Average Cost
From 56 quotes ranging from $300 - $300
Average Cost
$650
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
