Disorientation after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 964 reports of disorientation in dogs after Carprofen. That is 2.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

964Reports
25%Marked serious
9.5%Recovered
27%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
81 23%
1–2 days
68 19%
3–7 days
54 15%
1–4 weeks
60 17%
Over a month
87 25%

How the animals did

Recovered
85 8.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
7 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
136 14%
Died
196 20%
Euthanised
66 6.8%
Not known
474 49%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
24
1–3 years
64
4–7 years
155
8–11 years
310
12+ years
392

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 disorientation in dogs?
964 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).

Disorientation with similar medicines

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