My Dog has heart disease and is on Pimobendan. What is Pimobendan?

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Our question this week was:

Dr. Jon – my dog has DCM – he is a 7-year-old DobermanDoberman Pinchers Book
Barron's Doberman Pinchers Book provides sound advice on feeding, training, grooming, and much more. Titles in the extensive Complete Pet Own... Pincher. He was recently prescribed pimobendan. Are you familiar with this drug?

Bobbie Lou - Pearl City


Answer

Hi Bobbie Lou– thanks for your email. As a matter of fact, pimobendan is a recently approved drug for use in the United States. It has been used for years in Canada and Europe with very good success.

Pimobendan is a drug categorized as a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor with calcium sensitizing properties. The drug can help slow heart rate and enhance the ability of the heart to contract. This is especially good in dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DVM) because this disease is associated with a poorly contracting heart.

It has been shown to improve the quality of life (lowered syncope, dyspnea, exerciseLaunch A Ball
Kyjen Launch-A-Ball is the ultimate dog toy for interactive play and exercise. Simply snap the two pieces together and you are ready for a fun and eas... intolerance, and ascites) in dogs suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF).

 

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