Unable to walk after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

193 reports to the FDA describe unable to walk in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.4% 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.

193Reports
87%Marked serious
6.2%Recovered
52%Died or euthanised
19 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
24 15%
1–2 days
19 12%
3–7 days
14 8.9%
1–4 weeks
42 27%
Over a month
58 37%

How the animals did

Recovered
12 6.2%
Still unwell when reported
61 32%
Died
24 12%
Euthanised
77 40%
Not known
19 9.8%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
6
4–7 years
29
8–11 years
58
12+ years
96

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 unable to walk in dogs?
193 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 19 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).

Unable to walk with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with unable to walk