ADD LIFE —
VetSCOPE demonstrates that VETMEDIN helps dogs feel better

The primary goal of the VetSCOPE¹* study was to evaluate the efficacy of VETMEDIN (pimobendan) compared with the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, benazepril hydrochloride, in improving the quality and quantity of life in dogs suffering from overt congestive heart failure (CHF) due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI). Data were also collected to evaluate VETMEDIN safety.

Important safety information

VETMEDIN should not be given in case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons.

VETMEDIN improved quality of life

VETMEDIN rapidly improved clinical signs of CHF in the VetSCOPE* trial¹

• Dogs with CHF due to valvular disease that were treated with VETMEDIN showed significantly faster and greater improvement in clinical signs than those on an ACE inhibitor.¹
• Dogs treated with VETMEDIN showed significant improvement at Day 56 in exercise tolerance, demeanor, and respiratory effort.¹

There were 3 adverse events in the VETMEDIN group and 1 in the ACE inhibitor group. Diarrhea, soft stool, and vomiting occurred in the VETMEDIN group (1 dog each) and colitis occurred in the ACE inhibitor group.

The most common side effects reported in other field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. If side effects should occur, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.

VetSCOPE study design

VetSCOPE was a blinded, randomized, positive-controlled, multicenter, 56-day study. Dogs were examined on study Days 0 (prior to first treatment), 7, and 56. All dogs alive at the end of the 56-day study period were entered into the optional long-term study.

Study dogs were randomly selected to receive either VETMEDIN plus a placebo (n=41) or benazepril plus a placebo (n=35). A subpopulation of dogs on VETMEDIN (n=31) and benazepril (n=25) also received concurrent furosemide therapy.

The study animals included 76 privately owned dogs representing 31 different dog breeds. The dogs were presented by owners to 11 different veterinary centers in Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland). All dogs selected for the trial showed clinical signs of heart failure secondary to AVVI.

VETMEDIN reduced the required diuretic dose

• With VETMEDIN, the overall dose of diuretics decreased from Day 0 to Day 56, whereas with benazepril the overall dose of diuretics increased during the study period.

VETMEDIN decreased mean heart size

With VETMEDIN use, mean heart size decreased.

• –0.13±0.64 mean reduction from baseline values.

With ACE inhibitor use, there was a slight increase in mean heart size.

• 0.36±0.58 mean increase from baseline values.

A decrease in heart size has been linked to increased survival.

*Clinical studies were completed using VETMEDIN capsules. In the US, only the chewable tablets are licensed. Both the capsules and chewable tablets contain the same pharmaceutical ingredient, pimobendan, and are considered equivalent for clinical use. Bioequivalence, however, has not been shown.