Low platelet count after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

197 reports to the FDA describe low platelet count in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.4% 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.

197Reports
82%Marked serious
9.1%Recovered
41%Died or euthanised
12 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
15 9.4%
1–2 days
21 13%
3–7 days
32 20%
1–4 weeks
42 26%
Over a month
49 31%

How the animals did

Recovered
15 7.6%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 1.5%
Still unwell when reported
81 41%
Died
30 15%
Euthanised
51 26%
Not known
17 8.6%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
5
1–3 years
21
4–7 years
49
8–11 years
92
12+ years
27

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 low platelet count in dogs?
197 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 12 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).

Low platelet count with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with low platelet count