Gait abnormality after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 111 reports of gait abnormality in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.2% 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.

111Reports
65%Marked serious
14%Recovered
21%Died or euthanised
9 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
12 13%
1–2 days
18 20%
3–7 days
12 13%
1–4 weeks
19 21%
Over a month
29 32%

How the animals did

Recovered
16 14%
Still unwell when reported
59 53%
Died
2 1.8%
Euthanised
21 19%
Not known
13 12%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
7
1–3 years
6
4–7 years
22
8–11 years
46
12+ years
30

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 gait abnormality in dogs?
111 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).

Gait abnormality with similar medicines

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