Bruising after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 259 reports of bruising in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.5% 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.

259Reports
47%Marked serious
7.3%Recovered
36%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
20 13%
1–2 days
33 21%
3–7 days
41 26%
1–4 weeks
35 22%
Over a month
29 18%

How the animals did

Recovered
19 7.3%
Still unwell when reported
72 28%
Died
63 24%
Euthanised
30 12%
Not known
75 29%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
11
1–3 years
33
4–7 years
85
8–11 years
85
12+ years
40

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 bruising in dogs?
259 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).

Bruising with similar medicines

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