Urinary incontinence after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

888 reports to the FDA describe urinary incontinence in dogs given Carprofen. That is 1.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

888Reports
24%Marked serious
4.4%Recovered
25%Died or euthanised
12 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
57 19%
1–2 days
33 11%
3–7 days
44 15%
1–4 weeks
53 18%
Over a month
110 37%

How the animals did

Recovered
33 3.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
6 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
169 19%
Died
152 17%
Euthanised
71 8.0%
Not known
457 51%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
36
1–3 years
47
4–7 years
141
8–11 years
294
12+ years
360

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 urinary incontinence in dogs?
888 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 12 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).

Urinary incontinence with similar medicines

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