Splenic neoplasm after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

156 reports to the FDA describe splenic neoplasm in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.3% 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.

156Reports
42%Marked serious
3.8%Recovered
64%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
10 20%
1–2 days
8 16%
3–7 days
6 12%
1–4 weeks
12 24%
Over a month
15 29%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 3.2%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.6%
Still unwell when reported
19 12%
Died
68 44%
Euthanised
32 21%
Not known
31 20%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
0
1–3 years
1
4–7 years
12
8–11 years
79
12+ years
60

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 splenic neoplasm in dogs?
156 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).

Splenic neoplasm with similar medicines

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