Increased packed cell volume (pcv) after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 71 reports of increased packed cell volume (pcv) 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
82%Marked serious
15%Recovered
30%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
6 9.4%
1–2 days
20 31%
3–7 days
10 16%
1–4 weeks
12 19%
Over a month
16 25%

How the animals did

Recovered
10 14%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 1.4%
Still unwell when reported
27 38%
Died
10 14%
Euthanised
11 15%
Not known
12 17%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
5
1–3 years
8
4–7 years
29
8–11 years
23
12+ years
6

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 increased packed cell volume (pcv) 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 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).

Increased packed cell volume (pcv) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with increased packed cell volume (pcv)