Lateral recumbency after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

187 reports to the FDA describe lateral recumbency in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

187Reports
92%Marked serious
12%Recovered
63%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
31 20%
1–2 days
39 25%
3–7 days
22 14%
1–4 weeks
28 18%
Over a month
36 23%

How the animals did

Recovered
22 12%
Still unwell when reported
37 20%
Died
52 28%
Euthanised
66 35%
Not known
10 5.3%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
11
1–3 years
22
4–7 years
35
8–11 years
74
12+ years
43

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 lateral recumbency in dogs?
187 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 4 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).

Lateral recumbency with similar medicines

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