Abnormal stool colouration after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 91 reports of abnormal stool colouration in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.2% 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.

91Reports
47%Marked serious
12%Recovered
22%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
11 14%
1–2 days
12 15%
3–7 days
18 23%
1–4 weeks
21 26%
Over a month
18 23%

How the animals did

Recovered
11 12%
Still unwell when reported
40 44%
Died
9 9.9%
Euthanised
11 12%
Not known
20 22%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
5
1–3 years
8
4–7 years
20
8–11 years
37
12+ years
20

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 stool colouration in dogs?
91 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 7 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 stool colouration with similar medicines

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