Tarry or black stool after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

280 reports to the FDA describe tarry or black stool in dogs given 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.

280Reports
59%Marked serious
18%Recovered
31%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
28 11%
1–2 days
61 24%
3–7 days
66 26%
1–4 weeks
51 20%
Over a month
44 18%

How the animals did

Recovered
50 18%
Still unwell when reported
109 39%
Died
34 12%
Euthanised
54 19%
Not known
33 12%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
7
1–3 years
35
4–7 years
72
8–11 years
101
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 tarry or black stool in dogs?
280 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).

Tarry or black stool with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with tarry or black stool