Tachycardia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

499 reports to the FDA describe tachycardia in dogs given Carprofen. That is 1.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.5% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

499Reports
41%Marked serious
6.4%Recovered
51%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
52 23%
1–2 days
46 20%
3–7 days
44 19%
1–4 weeks
44 19%
Over a month
41 18%

How the animals did

Recovered
29 5.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 0.6%
Still unwell when reported
81 16%
Died
177 35%
Euthanised
79 16%
Not known
130 26%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
39
1–3 years
69
4–7 years
111
8–11 years
184
12+ years
94

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 tachycardia in dogs?
499 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).

Tachycardia with similar medicines

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