Horizontal nystagmus after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 71 reports of horizontal nystagmus 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.

71Reports

38%Marked serious

5.6%Recovered

32%Died or euthanised

7 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

5 21%

1–2 days

1 4.2%

3–7 days

9 38%

1–4 weeks

1 4.2%

Over a month

8 33%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 4.2%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 1.4%

Still unwell when reported

12 17%

Died

12 17%

Euthanised

11 15%

Not known

32 45%

Problems reported at the same time

30 42%

29 41%

23 32%

23 32%

19 27%

Head tilt - ear disorder

18 25%

Liver problems

18 25%

Lethargy

14 20%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 horizontal nystagmus in dogs?: 71 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).

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with horizontal nystagmus