Can Vetmedin Make My Dog Worse
Vetmedin: Can This Medication Make Your Dog Worse?
As a dog owner, you want to do everything you can to help your furry friend live a long and healthy life. That’s why it can be scary when your vet recommends a medication that you’re not familiar with, especially if you’ve heard conflicting information about its safety and effectiveness. One such medication is Vetmedin, also known by its generic name pimobendan, which is used to treat heart disease in dogs. But can Vetmedin make your dog worse? In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits and risks of using Vetmedin, based on scientific evidence and real-life experiences from dog owners.
What is Vetmedin?
Vetmedin is a cardiac drug that belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. It works by increasing the sensitivity of the heart muscle cells to calcium ions, which helps to improve the contractility of the heart and reduce the workload on it. Vetmedin is mainly used to treat two forms of heart disease in dogs: dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and mitral valve disease (MVD). These conditions are common in certain breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Great Danes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Miniature Schnauzers. DCM is characterized by an enlarged and weakened heart muscle that can’t pump blood effectively, while MVD involves a degeneration of the heart valves that leads to leakage of blood back into the atrium.
What are the benefits of Vetmedin?
According to several studies, Vetmedin can improve the quality of life and extend the survival time of dogs with heart disease. For example, a randomized clinical trial conducted by Dr. Sonya Gordon at Texas A&M University found that dogs with preclinical DCM who were treated with Vetmedin had a longer time to onset of clinical signs, a longer survival time, and a better overall quality of life than those who received a placebo. Another study by Dr. Jens H?ggstr?m at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences showed that dogs with congestive heart failure due to MVD who were treated with Vetmedin and furosemide had a greater improvement in exercise tolerance, respiratory rate, and heart size than those who received only furosemide.
What are the risks of Vetmedin?
Like any medication, Vetmedin can have side effects and interactions with other drugs. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance are gastrointestinal disturbances (such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite), lethargy, coughing, and difficulty breathing. These side effects are usually mild and transient, but in rare cases they can be severe or even fatal. Therefore, it’s important to monitor your dog closely after starting Vetmedin and report any unusual symptoms to your vet. In addition, Vetmedin can interact with certain medications that affect the same pathways or enzymes in the body, such as calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, and some antibiotics. Your vet should be aware of all the drugs your dog is taking and adjust the dosages accordingly.
Can Vetmedin make your dog worse?
Now comes the million-dollar question: can Vetmedin make your dog worse? The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on several factors that vary from dog to dog. However, here are some possible scenarios:
– If your dog has preclinical DCM or MVD without any symptoms (such as coughing, fatigue, or exercise intolerance), Vetmedin may delay or prevent the onset of clinical signs by improving the heart function. Therefore, starting Vetmedin early in these cases is generally recommended by cardiologists.
– If your dog has congestive heart failure due to MVD or DCM, Vetmedin can help to alleviate some of the symptoms and improve the quality of life. However, it’s not a cure for heart disease, and other treatments may be needed in combination, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or antiplatelet drugs. Therefore, your vet will need to monitor your dog’s condition regularly and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
– If your dog has severe heart disease or other medical conditions that contraindicate the use of Vetmedin (such as liver or kidney failure), Vetmedin may actually make your dog worse by exacerbating the underlying problems or causing additional side effects. Therefore, your vet will need to assess your dog’s overall health status before prescribing Vetmedin.
What should you do if you’re worried about Vetmedin?
If you’re worried about Vetmedin or any other medication that your dog is taking, the best thing to do is to talk to your vet. Your vet can explain the benefits and risks of using Vetmedin in your dog’s particular case, based on their medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Your vet can also answer any questions you have about dosages, administration, monitoring, and possible side effects. Remember that every dog is unique and may respond differently to Vetmedin or any other medication. Therefore, it’s important to trust your vet’s expertise and judgment and work together as a team to give your dog the best possible care.
Conclusion
Vetmedin can be a valuable tool in managing heart disease in dogs, but it’s not a magic pill that works for every dog or without any risks. The decision to use Vetmedin should be based on careful consideration of each individual case by a qualified veterinarian who has access to all relevant information and resources. As a responsible pet owner, you can support your dog’s health by providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, routine wellness checkups, and lots of love and attention. Your dog’s life is precious and deserves the best care you can give.
