Gastric perforation after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

200 reports to the FDA describe gastric perforation in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.4% 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.

200Reports
44%Marked serious
9.0%Recovered
71%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
8 9.6%
1–2 days
12 14%
3–7 days
26 31%
1–4 weeks
18 22%
Over a month
19 23%

How the animals did

Recovered
15 7.5%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 1.5%
Still unwell when reported
15 7.5%
Died
111 56%
Euthanised
31 16%
Not known
25 13%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
43
4–7 years
76
8–11 years
53
12+ years
20

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 gastric perforation in dogs?
200 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 6 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).

Gastric perforation with similar medicines

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