Loss of appetite after Bismuth Subsalicylate in dogs

The FDA has received 20 reports of loss of appetite in dogs after Bismuth Subsalicylate. That is 38% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 8.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

20Reports
75%Marked serious
25%Recovered
35%Died or euthanised
24 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
5 28%
1–2 days
2 11%
3–7 days
1 5.6%
1–4 weeks
2 11%
Over a month
8 44%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 25%
Still unwell when reported
8 40%
Died
4 20%
Euthanised
3 15%

Problems reported at the same time

16 80%
Lethargy
11 55%
10 50%
Death
7 35%
Liver problems
6 30%
Dehydration
5 25%
Breathing problems
4 20%
Weight loss
4 20%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
5
4–7 years
7
8–11 years
3
12+ years
3

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Bismuth Subsalicylate cause loss of appetite in dogs?
20 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 24 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Loss of appetite with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Bismuth Subsalicylate in dogs · Medicines most reported with loss of appetite