Pimobendan and its use in treating canine congestive heart failure.

Pimobendan, a calcium sensitizer and phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, has positive inotropic and vasodilatory properties. Its use in patients with naturally occurring congestive heart failure (CHF) has been studied in a number of blinded, randomized, multicenter clinical trials. It has been shown to improve quality of life, reduce heart insufficiency scores, and increase median survival times for patients with CHF due to dilated cardiomyopathy and myxomatous valvular disease. Although most studies have reported positive findings, some potential adverse effects have also been described. Studies are under way to further evaluate the effects of this novel positive inotrope and vasodilator in canine cardiac disease.