Corneal ulcer after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 118 reports of corneal ulcer in dogs after 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.

118Reports
52%Marked serious
21%Recovered
18%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
17 27%
1–2 days
10 16%
3–7 days
5 8.1%
1–4 weeks
14 23%
Over a month
16 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
21 18%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 3.4%
Still unwell when reported
32 27%
Died
13 11%
Euthanised
8 6.8%
Not known
40 34%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
17
4–7 years
25
8–11 years
45
12+ years
25

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 corneal ulcer in dogs?
118 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 7 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).

Corneal ulcer with similar medicines

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