Colitis after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

81 reports to the FDA describe colitis in dogs given 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.

81Reports

35%Marked serious

12%Recovered

31%Died or euthanised

4 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

2 6.3%

1–2 days

10 31%

3–7 days

6 19%

1–4 weeks

4 13%

Over a month

10 31%

How the animals did

Recovered

10 12%

Still unwell when reported

13 16%

Died

20 25%

Euthanised

5 6.2%

Not known

33 41%

Problems reported at the same time

46 57%

38 47%

33 41%

25 31%

23 28%

23 28%

19 23%

18 22%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 colitis in dogs?: 81 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 4 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).

Colitis with similar medicines

Colitis after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 30 reports · 0.3% of its reports
Colitis after Meloxicam (Metacam) 21 reports · 0.3% of its reports

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