Hypothermia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

317 reports to the FDA describe hypothermia in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

317Reports
35%Marked serious
11%Recovered
59%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
49 40%
1–2 days
29 24%
3–7 days
23 19%
1–4 weeks
7 5.8%
Over a month
13 11%

How the animals did

Recovered
33 10%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
29 9.1%
Died
156 49%
Euthanised
30 9.5%
Not known
68 21%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
35
1–3 years
48
4–7 years
85
8–11 years
105
12+ years
38

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 hypothermia in dogs?
317 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 1 day 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).

Hypothermia with similar medicines

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