Neurological signs after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 302 reports of neurological signs in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.6% 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.

302Reports
34%Marked serious
6.3%Recovered
37%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
25 21%
1–2 days
15 13%
3–7 days
22 19%
1–4 weeks
21 18%
Over a month
35 30%

How the animals did

Recovered
15 5.0%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 1.3%
Still unwell when reported
65 22%
Died
75 25%
Euthanised
37 12%
Not known
106 35%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
20
1–3 years
20
4–7 years
60
8–11 years
97
12+ years
99

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 neurological signs in dogs?
302 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).

Neurological signs with similar medicines

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