ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/pimobendan
US brand names:Vetmedin
Pimobendan is dosed at 0.3–0.5 mg/kg PO q 12 h in sugar gliders, per Hedley J. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. Part B: Exotic Pets, 10th ed., British Small Animal Veterinary [Association] — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.712 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Dual mechanism: inhibits phosphodiesterase III (vasodilation) and sensitizes cardiac troponin C to calcium (positive inotropy without increased oxygen demand).
Give on empty stomach (1 hour before food). Contraindicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and aortic stenosis. Monitor for arrhythmias. Standard of care for canine DCM and MMVD (stage B2+).
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Sugar Glider drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.25–0.3 mg/kg | q12h | Strong | Keene BW, Atkins CE, Bonagura JD, et al. ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):1127-1140. doi:10.1111/jvim.15488 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1055 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.2–0.3 mg/kg | q12h | Strong | Keene BW, Atkins CE, Bonagura JD, et al. ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):1127-1140. doi:10.1111/jvim.15488 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1055 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.