Abnormal posture after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 154 reports of abnormal posture in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines.

154Reports
55%Marked serious
13%Recovered
25%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
17 19%
1–2 days
14 16%
3–7 days
13 15%
1–4 weeks
13 15%
Over a month
32 36%

How the animals did

Recovered
18 12%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.3%
Still unwell when reported
62 40%
Died
18 12%
Euthanised
20 13%
Not known
34 22%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
11
1–3 years
13
4–7 years
38
8–11 years
41
12+ years
50

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 abnormal posture in dogs?
154 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 8 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).

Abnormal posture with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal posture