Rectal bleeding after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 166 reports of rectal bleeding in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.4% 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.

166Reports
20%Marked serious
4.8%Recovered
42%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
9 22%
1–2 days
8 20%
3–7 days
7 17%
1–4 weeks
8 20%
Over a month
9 22%

How the animals did

Recovered
7 4.2%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.6%
Still unwell when reported
14 8.4%
Died
62 37%
Euthanised
7 4.2%
Not known
75 45%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
6
1–3 years
17
4–7 years
44
8–11 years
60
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 rectal bleeding in dogs?
166 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).

Rectal bleeding with similar medicines

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