Vetmedin Killed My Dog

The purpose of this research is to explain “Vetmedin Killed My Dog“.

Knowing how painful it is to lose a beloved pet is something I know well as a dog owner who lost a dog due to a blood disorder.

I could do nothing other than grieve for my loss in situations like this as I was not seeking to place blame on anyone. 

But since humans are emotional beings we feel everything after losing a dear friend.

When your beloved dog suddenly dies in these uncertain circumstances grieving pointing the finger at someone and boiling with anger is a difficult and challenging process.

I must say this is one of the most emotionally exhausting roller-coaster rides I have ever experienced. 

As I write this research I want to reach out and lend a helping hand to anyone who is going through what I did that is putting the blame on a drug called Vetmedin.

Lets get started whenever you are ready. 

What is Vetmedin?

Vetmedin is a prescription medication that comes in tablets to treat your canines heart disorder.

Drugs like this delay the onset of heart failure and prolong your furry friends survival time allowing them to enjoy their lives more comfortably.

Depending on the severity of their initial health status every dog reacts differently to the drug.

The effects of Vetmedin take time to manifest. Yet you should be able to see some positive results within a week of taking the drug.

Gradually these changes should become better for recurring weeks. 

What heart conditions does it treat?

Vetmedin treats congestive heart failure (CHF) caused by two types of heart diseases: Mitral valve disease (MVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). 

Mitral valve disease develops as a result of the mitral valve wearing out over time. A heart murmur usually indicates a leaking mitral valve that allows blood to flow backward into the left atrium of your dog. 

Our canines vascular system is greatly affected by dilated cardiomyopathy which affects the hearts ability to create enough pressure to pump blood. 

The two diseases are treated differently by Vetmedin: 

• Transports blood from and to the heart by opening up blood vessels. As a result your dogs heart workload is decreased to pump blood around the circulatory system. 
• Heartbeats become stronger and more efficient. Heartbeats become stronger and more efficient. 

If your dog is experiencing heart failure your veterinarian can prescribe other medications. 

What breeds are most susceptible to these heart conditions? 

Although both MVD and DCM may occur in any dog breed certain breeds are more susceptible to these diseases than others. 

Dogs older than 8 years and dogs of small breeds are most susceptible to MVD. Some of these breeds include: 

• Spaniels of the Cavalier King Charles breed 
• Miniature poodles 
• Shih Tzu
• Maltese 
• Dachshunds 
• Pomeranians 

In contrast DCM is more common in large breeds of dogs. Other factors however come into play including nutrition and genetics. The following breeds are susceptible to DCM: 

• Doberman Pinschers
• Great Danes 
• Boxers
• Cocker Spaniels 

If you own any of these breeds you must take your pet for regular check-ups at your local veterinarian. Today health and well-being are more important than ever before. 

What evidence is there that Vetmedin might kill dogs? 

Researchers at the World Small Animal Veterinary World Congress Proceedings tested whether Pimobendan (PB) slowed down the onset of heart failure in dogs and improved their quality of life. 

Among 76 dogs with DCM who were chosen and screened 19 dogs died unexpectedly or succumbed to heart failure after receiving PB while 25 died suddenly after receiving a placebo. There were 7 dogs who died suddenly in the PB group while there were 8 in the placebo group. On the other hand 12 patients in the PB group and 17 in the placebo group developed heart failure. 

Despite the fact that the combined measure of time to heart failure and time to sudden death shows that it prolongs survival time the analysis of each endpoint individually shows otherwise. Both the time to sudden death and the onset of heart failure vary greatly and neither was statistically significant. In short According to the study PB did not prolong the time to the onset of heart failure or the time to sudden death in dogs.

A study from QUEST concluded that PB did not improve the quality of life for the study group when it came to dogs. Free water retention was also decreased. It is not expected that PB increases the shortening fraction in the left ventricle when it is given to a dog with mitral regurgitation (or MVD). It did produce smaller LVIDs (end-systolic diameter of the left ventricle) and smaller LVDDs (Left ventricle diastolic diameter) as it should have. 

Doberman Pinschers with DCM were the subject of the study. Even though PB extends a dogs life there is still a 50:50 chance of its effectiveness as studies have so far failed to demonstrate statistically significant effects. 

What is the ideal dosage for Vetmedin? 

There are two forms of Vetmedin: chewable tablets and capsules. Intake should occur exactly an hour before breakfast and another hour before dinner in the evening (about 12 hours apart). The dosage varies (1.25 mg 2.5 mg 5 mg 10 mg) depending on the dog and will be recommended by your veterinarian. 

What are the possible side effects of Vetmedin? 

There is always the possibility that your dog will experience some side effects when taking a medication. Vetmedin is considered tolerable for dogs in this case and side effects are rare. Possible side effects include: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea (yikes) 
• Lethargy (weakness) 
• An increase in mitral valve regurgitation
• Low appetite 
• A slight increase in heart rate 

Please contact your local vet or simply book an appointment if your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms. 

What factors should be considered before taking Vetmedin? 

You and your veterinarian need to consider several factors before giving your pet Vetmedin. Especially when it comes to underlying health conditions and drug interactions. 

Underlying health conditions

When your dog has any of the following conditions you should avoid using pimobendan (found in Vetmedin): 

• Allergy 
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 
• Aortic stenosis 
• Any other condition that causes irregular heartbeats 

In addition despite no studies confirming its safety for puppies breeding pregnant lactating or diabetic dogs it is best to consult with a professional veterinarian. 

Drug Interactions

The use of beta-antagonists (propranolol atenolol) and calcium antagonists (verapamil diltiazem) should be done with greater caution and care. Furthermore if your dog takes any vitamins supplements or herbal treatments make sure you let your vet know about all of them. 

Is Vetmedin prescription or over-the-counter? 

It is a prescription medication and must be approved by your veterinarian before it can be purchased and administered to your dog. The doses can range from 1.25 mg 2.5 mg 5mg and 10 mg or 0.25 to 0.3 mg per kg PO every 12 hours. 

Are there alternatives to Vetmedin? 

The only FDA-approved alternative to Vetmedin (Pimobendan) that relieves heart failure symptoms like Vetmedin is Vetmedin (Pimobendan). Petmedin is FDA-approved in its countries of origin but imported Vetmedin typically comes with an information sheet for the pet owner explaining the differences in labeling between US-approved and imported goods. 

There are however non-drug-related things you can do to help them deal with their health condition. One way to ensure they are happy is to limit their exercise until it is just the right amount for them. Encourage them to do this a few times a day to help them stay fit and avoid the risks of being overweight. 

Should you consider suing your vet? 

If you believe or suspect that your vet has harmed or killed your dog because of carelessness or negligence you should contact your vet immediately. If this has happened it is considered veterinary malpractice. There are several ways to handle this situation including: 

• You can file a complaint with your states veterinary licensing board as these boards have the authority to suspend or revoke a vets license. 
• File a lawsuit against the veterinarian 
• With the help of a lawyer you can negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit 
• or file a small claims lawsuit. In spite of the fact that you do not have to hire a lawyer you will receive a relatively small amount of compensation or money. 

Lawyers usually recommend a civil lawsuit when dealing with veterinary malpractice. Below is a step-by-step description of the process: 

1. An initial complaint is filed by the plaintiff to begin the lawsuit 
2. the lawsuit and the defendant response 
3. Upon issuance of a scheduling order by the judge in charge a timeline of important dates and deadlines including the trial date and time will be provided.
4. There will be discovery (exchange of relevant information) between both parties so be sure that all records are ready and in place.  
5. Motions and other pleadings may be filed. 
6. The trial will begin with the selection of a jury. 
7. After that the jury will make a decision. 
8. The decision may be appealed by either party 

Veterinary malpractice claims have been relatively low in the past but the law is changing to reverse this trend. A few courts are beginning to recognize that animals are unique and irreplaceable. Therefore courts are beginning to consider the animals intrinsic value in addition to its economic value when compensating the victim. 

What to do if your dog died from Vetmedin? 

Taking an autopsy of your dog is the first thing you should do. It is one of the best ways to determine the exact cause of their sudden deaths despite its challenges. It is possible for a person to die from Vetmedin or other factors such as underlying health issues other than heart failure or a toxic environment. 

You could file a complaint against the drug company that manufactured Vetmedin if it was discovered to be the cause of death. You should have all their medical records and documentation of events leading up to their death. Check out the FDA to report a serious medical product problems in cases of severe drug reactions. 

Pet bereavement services and support groups 

Having to deal with the loss of a beloved companion is a tough pill to swallow but it does not mean you should face it alone. The pet bereavement services provide a safe space for you to connect with other pet owners who have experienced similar losses and talk about them (it is really helpful). Here are some resources that may be helpful: 

In addition Rainbowsbridge offers a 24-hour forum and a chat room where caring volunteers are available between 8 and 12 pm EST to help you make more personal connections with others who have also lost pets. 

Through their Pet Loss Support Team Lap of Love organizes weekly sessions on Zoom throughout the week for pet loss support groups. It is here where you can find yourself in a safe and compassionate space to listen to each others stories and support each other during these difficult times. 

You can also find a support group for pet loss on Facebook. Anne created and leads the group. She holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology and is certified as a trauma specialist and grief counselor with over 30 years of experience. 

Conclusion 

In addition to prolonging survival time for fellow canines with heart failure symptoms Vetmedin can be helpful.

If your dog has other medications or underlying health conditions it is always wise to consult with a veterinarian. Its never easy to deal with their loss.

By reaching out to the community and finding support groups you can give your beloved pets the justice they deserve and help yourself heal. I hope this research is helpful to you so please reach out and take good care of yourself. 

If you want to read more about dog health tips read here: Dog Health Tips and Tricks.

Vetmedin Killed My Dog (Watch Video)