Cardisure for the dog is a veterinary medicinewhich is given to dogs with heart failure.
Among other things, the drug should contribute to a higher quality of life and expectations of the fur nose.
The following guide explains what you should consider when it comes to dosage, use, side effects and possible alternatives.
Cardisure for dogs: what it is and what it is used for
If a dog suffers from heart problems – more precisely, a heart failure – Vets prescribe Cardisure for dogs.
This heart failure, in turn, is usually the result of the following functional disorders of the heart:
In both cases, the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the body. Cardisure can also be administered as a supportive medication in heart failure.
Cardisure for dogs contains the active ingredient pimobendan. This fulfills two functions. On the one hand, it increases the contractility of the heart muscle.
On the other hand, it blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase, which expands the heart vessels and ensures better blood flow.
Cardisure for Dogs is available as a chewable tablet in four strengths of 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg, where mg refers to the amount of pimobendan.
The correct application and dosage of Cardisure for dogs
In order for Cardisure to work properly in the dog, the recommended dose at 0.5 mg pimobendan per kilogram of body weight per day.
This dose should not be under or exceeded, unless the treating veterinarian gives you other specifications.
Good to know
According to the package leaflet, the daily dose of pimobendan can also range from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg.
The dog gets the pimobendan dose in two doses, once in the morning and once in the evening.
The following table shows you exactly what this can look like:
Dog body weight in kilogramsCardisure 1.25 mgCardisure 2.5 mgCardisure 5 mgCardisure 10 mgMax 5kg½ tablet twice a day–––5 to 10 kg1 tablet twice a day–––10.1 to 20 kg–2x daily 1 tablet––20.1 to 40kg––2x daily 1 tablet–40.1 to 60 kg–––1 tablet twice a dayfrom 60 kg–––1.5 tablets twice a day
Getting the dosage right is relatively easy as the chewable tablets have four score lines that allow you to easily divide them.
We recommend that you give your dog Cardisure about an hour before its meal to ensure optimal absorption of the active ingredient.
IMPORTANT
Please refrain from determining the dosage yourself. Furthermore, Cardisure may only be administered if the veterinarian deems the treatment necessary.
How long does Cardisure take to work in dogs?
Because Cardisure is typically used as part of long-term therapy, a first improvement in the fur nose only after a few days or weeks on.
The duration of use can be several months, but is of course also determined by regular examinations by the veterinarian.
What side effects can Cardisure cause in dogs?
The side effects that Cardisure can produce in dogs are usually mild diarrhea and vomiting.
These are often the result of an overdose and can be stopped by reducing the pimobendan dose.
In some cases, Cardisure can also cause convulsions and tremors in dogs, as well as fatigue.
In addition, since the drug is usually administered over a long period of time, anorexia and bleeding of the mucous membranes can occur.
Of course, you should discuss these side effects with the veterinarian and, if necessary, find a Cardisure alternative.
However, these side effects usually disappear at the latest when treatment with Cardisure has ended.
When should I not use Cardisure on dogs?
Under no circumstances should you use Cardisure on your dog if it under what is known as aortic stenosis suffers.
You should also avoid treatment with Cardisure if you have liver dysfunction.
In addition, it should only be administered to pregnant or lactating bitches if the veterinarian considers it to be of low risk.
Although no studies have been published to date, it is likely that pimobendan can also be secreted through the mammary glands.
Where can I buy Cardisure for dogs?
Cardisure is one of those prescription medication for dogs. So without a prescription written by your vet, you won’t be able to get it from a pharmacy.
For a pack of 10 x 10 tablets you should expect the following costs:
- Cardisure 1.25 mg: €35.46
- Cardisure 2.5mg: €56.76
- Cardisure 5 mg: €103.45
- Cardisure 10mg: €149.96
What alternatives are there to Cardisure for dogs?
Has your dog had good experiences with Cardisure, but you are still looking for an alternative? Then you can find them at Vetmedin, which also contains pimobendan.
If your dog does not tolerate this active ingredient, you can discuss with your veterinarian whether, for example a drug with an ACE inhibitor is right can be.
One such drug is Cardalis, a combination drug that contains benazepril and spironolactone.
Of course we hope that your furry friend doesn’t get a Cardisure – if it does, we’d be happy if you share your experiences with us in the comments!