All Cats Considered – Episode 315
In this episode of All Cats Considered, host Dr. Kelly St. Denis speaks with Dr. Sonya G Gordon, DVM, DVSc, ACVIM-CA about her recent JFMS Clinical Spotlight article, Use of pimobendan in cats: an evidence‑based review. Their conversation explores why pimobendan—long used in dogs—remains a subject of debate in feline cardiology, particularly given the complexities of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, obstructive disease, and the limited availability of echocardiography in general practice. Dr. Gordon outlines key concerns surrounding safety and efficacy, discusses how clinicians can approach pimobendan use in cats with congestive heart failure, and highlights when rescue therapy may be appropriate in cases unresponsive to standard treatments.
The discussion also examines what current research can (and cannot) tell us, including the limitations of pharmacokinetic studies performed in healthy cats and the need for well‑designed, long‑term clinical trials. Dr. Gordon reviews potential drug interactions, practical monitoring strategies, and real‑world considerations such as caregiver burden and the challenges of polypharmacy in feline patients. The episode further draws on case vignettes from the article to illustrate nuanced decision‑making and help clinicians determine when pimobendan may add value—and when more conservative approaches are warranted.
Additional Resources:
JFMS Clinical Spotlight article: Use of pimobendan in cats: an evidence‑based review