Red blood cells(rbc) nucleated after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 71 reports of red blood cells(rbc) nucleated in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

71Reports
4.2%Marked serious
0.0%Recovered
45%Died or euthanised
–Typical onset
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How the animals did

Still unwell when reported
1 1.4%
Died
30 42%
Euthanised
2 2.8%
Not known
38 54%

Problems reported at the same time

Blood problems
60 85%
Liver problems
41 58%
Lethargy
37 52%
Leucocytosis
36 51%
Loss of appetite
32 45%
Death
32 45%
Vomiting
27 38%
Pale mucous membrane
15 21%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
2
4–7 years
15
8–11 years
33
12+ years
20

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 red blood cells(rbc) nucleated in dogs?
71 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.
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).

Red blood cells(rbc) nucleated with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with red blood cells(rbc) nucleated