Abdominal discomfort after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

64 reports to the FDA describe abdominal discomfort in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

64Reports
67%Marked serious
20%Recovered
23%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
11 20%
1–2 days
10 19%
3–7 days
6 11%
1–4 weeks
15 28%
Over a month
12 22%

How the animals did

Recovered
13 20%
Still unwell when reported
26 41%
Died
4 6.3%
Euthanised
11 17%
Not known
10 16%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
6
4–7 years
28
8–11 years
23
12+ years
6

About this medicine

Carprofen relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis or after surgery.

Products with this ingredient include Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Carprofen cause abdominal discomfort in dogs?
64 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 10 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).

Abdominal discomfort with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with abdominal discomfort