Reddening of the skin after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

108 reports to the FDA describe reddening of the skin in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

108Reports
58%Marked serious
20%Recovered
10%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
27 29%
1–2 days
14 15%
3–7 days
13 14%
1–4 weeks
17 18%
Over a month
21 23%

How the animals did

Recovered
20 19%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.9%
Still unwell when reported
57 53%
Died
5 4.6%
Euthanised
6 5.6%
Not known
18 17%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
9
1–3 years
23
4–7 years
24
8–11 years
36
12+ years
15

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 reddening of the skin in dogs?
108 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 4 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).

Reddening of the skin with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with reddening of the skin