New Vetmedin Oral Solution gets VMD approval

Boehringer Ingelheim has launched Vetmedin 1.5 mg/ml oral solution for dogs in Great Britain, offering a new treatment option for dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or congestive heart failure (CHF). The introduction follows approval from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

Heart disease in dogs is common, affecting approximately 1 in 10 dogs (Keene, et al., 2019). In the early stages of heart disease, dogs do not show symptoms, so many owners do not realise their dog has a heart condition and could benefit from treatment.

Backed by ground-breaking studies, ongoing research and innovation, Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to pioneering in canine cardiology and continuing to elevate the standards of care and patient outcomes for dogs with heart disease. The groundbreaking Epic and Protect studies showed that Vetmedin delays the onset of CHF for dogs in the asymptomatic stage of heart disease – before symptoms are visible – and improves both the quality and length of life for dogs with MVD and DCM. Vetmedin has now been giving dogs with heart disease more life to love for over 25 years, and is the only treatment proven and approved for use in both the asymptomatic and symptomatic stages.

Same proven ingredient – now in oral liquid form.

Vetmedin oral solution is now joining the Vetmedin range, offering even more ways to give dogs more life to love. Vetmedin oral solution has the same active ingredient (pimobendan) as Vetmedin chewable tablets and has been shown to be bioequivalent.

Designed with small dogs in mind and for the trickiest of patients, Vetmedin oral solution is Boehringer Ingelheim’s first oral liquid Vetmedin and can be used to treat dogs with asymptomatic and symptomatic MVD and DCM. It’s ideal for small dogs, who can be difficult to tablet, as it is an easy-to-give liquid and has a sweet taste. In small dogs it can also be difficult to achieve precise dosing due to their size, however Vetmedin oral solution enables the optimal dose to be given, due to its kg-bodyweight calibrated syringe, which can't always be achieved with tablets. Vetmedin oral solution is also ideal for dogs that need dental work but require treatment for their heart disease before general anaesthesia. These dogs might struggle to eat chewable tablets due to oral discomfort, so a liquid treatment can be a better option. Vetmedin oral solution does not contain animal protein, so is also a good choice for patients with sensitivities or allergies to animal proteins.

“Vetmedin oral solution will make dosing and administration much easier and will certainly increase patient compliance” said Professor Jose Novo Matos, professor of small animal cardiology, principal clinical cardiologist, University of Cambridge, UK.

Precision dosing made simple.

Vetmedin oral solution comes with a kg-bodyweight calibrated syringe, giving the preferred dose of 0.25 mg/kg twice daily to the nearest 0.5 kg bodyweight. The maximum syringe volume is for a 12 kg dog. Vetmedin oral solution comes as a 50 ml bottle (each bottle lasts a 5 kg dog approximately 30 days), doesn't need to be refrigerated, has an 8-week shelf life once opened, and a 2-year shelf life as packaged.

“We’ve recently celebrated 25 years of Vetmedin giving more life to love to dogs with heart disease. Now with the arrival of Vetmedin oral solution we’re making it even easier to treat small dogs with big hearts, as well as dogs that can’t take tablets”, said Dr Jamie Adams, BVSc, PhD, MRCVS, cardiorenal metabolism franchise lead at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK and Ireland.

Vetmedin oral solution is now available to order from Great Britain wholesalers. Learn more here.