Eye or vision problems after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

513 reports to the FDA describe eye or vision problems in dogs given Carprofen. That is 1.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

513Reports
30%Marked serious
5.7%Recovered
28%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
23 17%
1–2 days
25 18%
3–7 days
30 22%
1–4 weeks
25 18%
Over a month
34 25%

How the animals did

Recovered
14 2.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
15 2.9%
Still unwell when reported
69 13%
Died
110 21%
Euthanised
35 6.8%
Not known
270 53%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
37
1–3 years
39
4–7 years
113
8–11 years
189
12+ years
127

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 eye or vision problems in dogs?
513 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).

Eye or vision problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with eye or vision problems