Bruising after Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor) in dogs

The FDA has received 56 reports of bruising in dogs after Dexmedetomidine. That is 1.0% 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.

56Reports
54%Marked serious
18%Recovered
23%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
7 16%
1–2 days
17 39%
3–7 days
7 16%
1–4 weeks
5 11%
Over a month
8 18%

How the animals did

Recovered
10 18%
Still unwell when reported
10 18%
Died
6 11%
Euthanised
7 13%
Not known
23 41%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
4
4–7 years
27
8–11 years
16
12+ years
5

About this medicine

Dexmedetomidine sedation and pain relief (also an oral gel for noise anxiety).

Products with this ingredient include Dexdomitor, Sileo. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Dexmedetomidine cause bruising in dogs?
56 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 2 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).

Bruising with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Dexmedetomidine in dogs · Medicines most reported with bruising