Heart Disease

Heart failure remains one of the major causes of death in UK dogs, with approximately 10% of dogs suffering from heart disease during their life. Most affected dogs suffer from disease of the heart valves (endocardiosis), and tend to be older dogs from the small and miniature breeds (e.g.: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). This is in contrast with human patients where vascular disease (disease of the blood vessels) predominates. A smaller number of dogs suffer from disease of the heart muscle itself (dilated cardiomyopathy), and tend to be younger and from larger breeds (e.g.: Doberman).

Irrespective of the cause, there are severe reductions in quality of life for the patient and ultimately death if the disease is untreated. Clinical signs may include exercise intolerance, loss of appetite, and reduction in demeanour.

Vetmedica launched Vetmedin® (pimobendan) in 2000, and since then the product has revolutionised both the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs, and the quality of life and life expectancy of canine patients. Vetmedin® both eases the resistance in the circulatory system by dilating blood vessels, and improves the efficiency with which the heart can function as a pump. The combined effect is therefore to improve cardiovascular function and the blood flow to major organs. Vetmedin® is licensed and appropriate for both the major causes of heart failure in dogs.

The results seen in cardiac patients with Vetmedin are dramatic. In one clinically controlled trial, dogs with congestive heart failure survived on average (median) 42 days without Vetmedin, 217 days when Vetmedin was part of the therapeutic regime.

More information available at the Vetmedin® website www.vetmedin.co.uk