Nystagmus after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 341 reports of nystagmus in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.7% 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.

341Reports
28%Marked serious
7.0%Recovered
27%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
23 22%
1–2 days
22 21%
3–7 days
19 18%
1–4 weeks
19 18%
Over a month
23 22%

How the animals did

Recovered
21 6.2%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 0.9%
Still unwell when reported
53 16%
Died
68 20%
Euthanised
24 7.0%
Not known
172 50%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
11
1–3 years
33
4–7 years
49
8–11 years
86
12+ years
161

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 nystagmus in dogs?
341 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 5 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).

Nystagmus with similar medicines

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