Peritonitis after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 298 reports of peritonitis in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

298Reports
32%Marked serious
3.0%Recovered
74%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
9 10%
1–2 days
9 10%
3–7 days
22 25%
1–4 weeks
18 21%
Over a month
29 33%

How the animals did

Recovered
8 2.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
21 7.0%
Died
175 59%
Euthanised
46 15%
Not known
47 16%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
14
1–3 years
46
4–7 years
88
8–11 years
113
12+ years
35

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 peritonitis in dogs?
298 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 8 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).

Peritonitis with similar medicines

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