Staggering after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 232 reports of staggering in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

232Reports
16%Marked serious
3.0%Recovered
36%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
14 25%
1–2 days
9 16%
3–7 days
10 18%
1–4 weeks
11 20%
Over a month
12 21%

How the animals did

Recovered
6 2.6%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.4%
Still unwell when reported
28 12%
Died
76 33%
Euthanised
8 3.4%
Not known
113 49%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
7
1–3 years
18
4–7 years
38
8–11 years
67
12+ years
97

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 staggering in dogs?
232 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 5 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).

Staggering with similar medicines

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