Abnormal ultrasound finding after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

1,194 reports to the FDA describe abnormal ultrasound finding in dogs given Carprofen. That is 2.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.5% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,194Reports
42%Marked serious
6.0%Recovered
39%Died or euthanised
12 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
58 9.9%
1–2 days
70 12%
3–7 days
99 17%
1–4 weeks
194 33%
Over a month
163 28%

How the animals did

Recovered
66 5.5%
Recovered with lasting effects
6 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
312 26%
Died
276 23%
Euthanised
184 15%
Not known
350 29%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
30
1–3 years
98
4–7 years
269
8–11 years
524
12+ years
269

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 ultrasound finding in dogs?
1,194 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 12 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 ultrasound finding with similar medicines

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