Boehringer Ingelheim announces ‘landmark’ Vetmedin research

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the results of a landmark study of Vetmedin (pimobendan) in dogs with congestive heart failure.

These dogs administered with Vetmedin as part of the global Quest study demonstrated a significant improvement in survival outcomes.

According to the results of the three-year study, dogs suffering from the most common form of heart failure live 91 per cent longer on average when receiving the compared to other common treatment options.

Adrian Boswood from the Royal Veterinary College, London, said: “It is now time for us as veterinary cardiologists and practising veterinarians to look again at how we are treating our patients suffering from this serious condition.”

He added that the trial compared the use of Vetmedin against the existing treatment benazepril hydrochloride.

In July 2008, Boehringer Ingelheim warned that over 50 per cent of dog owners may not be aware that their pet is at risk of heart failure.