Wobbliness (ataxia) after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 2,567 reports of wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs after Carprofen. That is 5.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

Sponsored

How soon it started

How the animals did

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

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 wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs?

2,567 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 6 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).

Wobbliness (ataxia) with similar medicines

• Wobbliness (ataxia) after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 427 reports · 3.9% of its reports
• Wobbliness (ataxia) after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 403 reports · 4.6% of its reports
• Wobbliness (ataxia) after Meloxicam (Metacam) 336 reports · 4.2% of its reports
• Wobbliness (ataxia) after Firocoxib (Previcox) 420 reports · 5.2% of its reports

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with wobbliness (ataxia)