Decreased bowel movements after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

65 reports to the FDA describe decreased bowel movements in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.1% 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.

65Reports

75%Marked serious

18%Recovered

28%Died or euthanised

4 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

11 20%

1–2 days

12 22%

3–7 days

8 15%

1–4 weeks

9 17%

Over a month

14 26%

How the animals did

Recovered

11 17%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 1.5%

Still unwell when reported

25 38%

Died

3 4.6%

Euthanised

15 23%

Not known

10 15%

Problems reported at the same time

45 69%

30 46%

26 40%

25 38%

21 32%

19 29%

19 29%

18 28%

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 decreased bowel movements in dogs?: 65 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).

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased bowel movements