Splenomegaly after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 283 reports of splenomegaly in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.6% 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.

283Reports
30%Marked serious
1.8%Recovered
43%Died or euthanised
18 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
5 6.7%
1–2 days
6 8.0%
3–7 days
15 20%
1–4 weeks
21 28%
Over a month
28 37%

How the animals did

Recovered
4 1.4%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.4%
Still unwell when reported
34 12%
Died
94 33%
Euthanised
29 10%
Not known
121 43%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
12
4–7 years
78
8–11 years
130
12+ years
59

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 splenomegaly in dogs?
283 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 18 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).

Splenomegaly with similar medicines

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