Distension of abdomen after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 405 reports of distension of abdomen in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

405Reports
30%Marked serious
3.2%Recovered
50%Died or euthanised
9 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
11 8.9%
1–2 days
19 15%
3–7 days
26 21%
1–4 weeks
31 25%
Over a month
37 30%

How the animals did

Recovered
12 3.0%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.2%
Still unwell when reported
43 11%
Died
164 40%
Euthanised
40 9.9%
Not known
145 36%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
14
1–3 years
25
4–7 years
92
8–11 years
173
12+ years
100

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 distension of abdomen in dogs?
405 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 9 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).

Distension of abdomen with similar medicines

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