Faecal incontinence after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 221 reports of faecal incontinence in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.5% 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.

221Reports
32%Marked serious
2.3%Recovered
33%Died or euthanised
17 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
16 18%
1–2 days
11 13%
3–7 days
9 10%
1–4 weeks
17 19%
Over a month
35 40%

How the animals did

Recovered
4 1.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
51 23%
Died
44 20%
Euthanised
28 13%
Not known
93 42%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
4
4–7 years
28
8–11 years
81
12+ years
103

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 faecal incontinence in dogs?
221 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 17 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).

Faecal incontinence with similar medicines

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