Breathing problems after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 2,089 reports of breathing problems in dogs after Carprofen. That is 4.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

2,089Reports
44%Marked serious
11%Recovered
50%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
229 22%
1–2 days
174 16%
3–7 days
176 17%
1–4 weeks
196 18%
Over a month
285 27%

How the animals did

Recovered
213 10%
Recovered with lasting effects
10 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
374 18%
Died
750 36%
Euthanised
288 14%
Not known
454 22%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
64
1–3 years
166
4–7 years
443
8–11 years
781
12+ years
607

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 breathing problems in dogs?
2,089 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).

Breathing problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with breathing problems