Inappropriate defecation after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 86 reports of inappropriate defecation in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines.

86Reports
65%Marked serious
20%Recovered
26%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
13 19%
1–2 days
13 19%
3–7 days
10 14%
1–4 weeks
11 16%
Over a month
22 32%

How the animals did

Recovered
17 20%
Still unwell when reported
29 34%
Died
9 10%
Euthanised
13 15%
Not known
18 21%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
7
4–7 years
16
8–11 years
24
12+ years
37

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 inappropriate defecation in dogs?
86 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).

Inappropriate defecation with similar medicines

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