Blood in faeces after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 216 reports of blood in faeces in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

216Reports
54%Marked serious
22%Recovered
24%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
27 15%
1–2 days
38 21%
3–7 days
44 24%
1–4 weeks
38 21%
Over a month
36 20%

How the animals did

Recovered
46 21%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
83 38%
Died
20 9.3%
Euthanised
31 14%
Not known
35 16%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
13
1–3 years
27
4–7 years
55
8–11 years
80
12+ years
35

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 blood in faeces in dogs?
216 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 5 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).

Blood in faeces with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with blood in faeces