Ocular discharge after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 150 reports of ocular discharge in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.3% 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.

150Reports
48%Marked serious
11%Recovered
27%Died or euthanised
9 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
21 27%
1–2 days
14 18%
3–7 days
4 5.1%
1–4 weeks
23 29%
Over a month
16 21%

How the animals did

Recovered
14 9.3%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.3%
Still unwell when reported
42 28%
Died
28 19%
Euthanised
13 8.7%
Not known
51 34%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
10
1–3 years
18
4–7 years
48
8–11 years
46
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 ocular discharge in dogs?
150 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 9 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).

Ocular discharge with similar medicines

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