Tense abdomen after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

123 reports to the FDA describe tense abdomen 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.

123Reports
70%Marked serious
18%Recovered
30%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
20 18%
1–2 days
12 11%
3–7 days
19 17%
1–4 weeks
38 34%
Over a month
24 21%

How the animals did

Recovered
22 18%
Still unwell when reported
46 37%
Died
9 7.3%
Euthanised
28 23%
Not known
18 15%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
6
1–3 years
14
4–7 years
44
8–11 years
37
12+ years
22

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 tense abdomen in dogs?
123 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).

Tense abdomen with similar medicines

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