Recumbency after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

670 reports to the FDA describe recumbency in dogs given Carprofen. That is 1.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

670Reports
17%Marked serious
1.5%Recovered
62%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
19 17%
1–2 days
19 17%
3–7 days
20 18%
1–4 weeks
19 17%
Over a month
36 32%

How the animals did

Recovered
9 1.3%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.1%
Still unwell when reported
41 6.1%
Died
367 55%
Euthanised
51 7.6%
Not known
201 30%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
33
1–3 years
43
4–7 years
136
8–11 years
234
12+ years
217

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 recumbency in dogs?
670 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).

Recumbency with similar medicines

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