Firstly - there are two different medicines, called Fortektor and Fortektor Plus.  These are not the same drug.  If you want information on Fortekor, click here!

 

Vets may prescribe Fortekor Plus if your dog has congestive heart failure (CHF).  

Heart disease in dogs 

Vets say that about 10% of all dogs have heart disease.  

There are a lot of things that can cause congestive heart failure, or heart disease, including:

  • a heart valve infection (called endocardiosis) which may have resulted from blood infection or periodontal disease, 
  • a cardiac muscle disease (eg. dilated cardiomyopathy)
  • .an increase in the thickness of the muscular wall of the heart (called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). This reduces the volume of blood within the heart and also prevents the heart muscle relaxing properly between contractions.

 

Heart failure means that the dog’s heart is not able to pump enough blood around the dog’s body.  This can lead to exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing and fluid retention.  The symptoms increase as the heart’s performance declines.

 

Whilst there is no cure for heart failure, it can usually be managed with medication and care.  Your beloved pet can live a long and full life, if the condition is diagnosed early and proper treatment is given.

What is Fortekor Plus?

Fortekor Plus has two active ingredients - Benazepril hydrochloride, and Pimobendan. 

 

    • Benazepril hydrochloride inhibits (lessens) the production of the ACE enzyme.   The ACE enzyme is responsible for constricting blood vessels and raising your dog’s blood pressure.  By reducing the amount of this enzyme, Fortekor Plus prevents constriction, or widens the blood vessels, and so it increases blood flow and reduces hypertension. In this way, Fortekor Plus lessens the burden on a fatigued heart, by reducing the work your pet’s heart has to do to pump blood around their body.
  • Pimobendan works to open up the blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart, which reduces the work your dog’s heart has to do to pump blood around their body.  It also increases the strength and efficiency of your dog’s heartbeat, improving the pumping action.

 

What can I expect when my pet starts on Fortekor Plus?

The treatment of every pet, and their response to drugs, is unique.  Their response may also depend on how unwell they were when treatment started. Whilst Fortekor Plus should start to take effect within a couple of hours, the effects may not be noticeable, however many dog owners notice an improvement within a week, and this improvement may continue to be more noticeable in subsequent weeks.

How to give Fortekor Plus to my dog?

Fortekor Plus for dog comes in the form of a tablet.  It should be given to your pet by mouth and can be given with or without food. It is normally given to your dog twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart, and should be given about 1 hour before feeding.

 

If your dog prefers to take medicine disguised in a tasty treat (and who wouldn’t!), make sure the treat is actually good for your animal, and not high in salt (like cheese or processed meats, which are not suitable for pets with heart failure).

What if I give too much Fortekor Plus? What if I miss a dose of Fortekor Plus or give the wrong dose of Fortekor Plus?
Administration of drug issues

If you miss giving a dose of Fortekor Plus, don’t worry - just give the normal dose next time.  Don’t give a higher dose to “make up” a missed dose.  

 

If your animal has taken too much Fortekor Plus, or you suspect an overdose, call your vet immediately.

Storage of Fortekor Plus

Store Fortekor Plus below 25°C.  It does not need to be refrigerated.

 

Who should NOT take Fortekor Plus?

Tests haven’t been undertaken to determine the safety of Fortekor Plus for cats, or puppies, or pregnant or lactating dogs.  

 

Because Fortekor Plus may react with other drugs, please make sure that you tell your vet about all other medications that your pet is taking, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal therapies.

Can I buy Fortekor Plus online?

Fortekor Plus for dog is a prescription medicine, and you can buy it online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet.  Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment or with any questions you may have regarding your animal's medical condition. Professional advice is required for each particular illness, disease, infection, injury or other medical condition and for dosages of the pharmaceutical product supplied via this website. You take full and total responsibility for what you do with this information and any resulting outcomes from your actions.

 

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO BE OR SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR MEDICAL OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

 

IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET, PLEASE CONSULT AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY VETERINARY FACILITY.