What is Carprofen Poisoning?
Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug used in the
veterinary field for pain management. It's commonly prescribed for dogs to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis, and to manage pain after surgery. Carprofen is known by a wide range of brand names, including Rimadyl and Novox, but ingestion of more than the prescribed
amount of the drug can result in serious consequences.
Carprofen poisoning most commonly occurs due to an accidental overdose. Some dogs enjoy the flavor of this medication and will help themselves to it if given the chance. The symptoms of toxicity vary depending on the amount consumed and can range from vomiting and abdominal pain to kidney damage, seizures, and even death.
With this in mind, if you suspect that your pet has overdosed on carprofen, seek immediate veterinary attention. It's also important to store carprofen out of reach of your pet and only administer the amount prescribed by a veterinarian.
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Symptoms of Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs
The severity of the signs of carprofen poisoning vary depending on how much of the medication a dog ingests. The peak plasma concentration (the highest level of medication in the blood) is reached in 1-3 hours. Symptoms you may notice include:
- Vomiting (can be bloody)
- Diarrhea (can be bloody)
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Muscle twitching
In severe cases, additional signs will be seen. These may include:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Gastric ulceration
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Stupor
- Coma
The signs of kidney failure are as follows:
- Blood in the urine
- Increased urination and thirst
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
In addition, if the liver is damaged, jaundice might be present in the form of yellow-colored skin, mucus membranes, and whites of the eyes.
Types
Carprofen poisoning in dogs can be acute after the ingestion of a large quantity over and above the prescribed amount.
However, in rare cases, some dogs may have an idiosyncratic reaction to the medication even if they've been given the correct dose. This typically affects the liver and is a serious issue resulting in hospitalization. Hepatotoxicity may not be seen for a couple of weeks after therapy is started.
Causes of Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs
Carprofen poisoning most commonly occurs when a pet parent inadvertently administers the incorrect amount, or when dogs help themselves to the medication. However, idiosyncratic hepatopathy can affect approximately 1 in 5,000 dogs, and is not dependent on the size of the dose a dog has received.
Other risk factors for severe carprofen poisoning can be:
- Dogs with coagulation disorders such as von Willebrand’s Disease
- Other medications that are prescribed concurrently like glucocorticoids and sulfonamides
- Dehydration
- Predisposition to liver and kidney disease
- Compromised liver and kidney function due to age or underlying disease
Diagnosis of Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs
If you suspect that your pet has overdosed on carprofen, seek emergency veterinary attention. Take the medication packaging with you, and be sure to inform the vet of any other medications your pet is currently taking.
The veterinarian will base their diagnostic decisions on the clinical signs exhibited by your dog (like nausea and abdominal pain) and will also rely on information you can provide. The veterinarian may ask several questions while examining your dog, such as:
- How long has your pet been on carprofen?
- What is the reason it was prescribed?
- How long ago did they ingest the carprofen?
- What have the symptoms been so far?
- Are they getting worse as time progresses or staying at the same intensity?
- How much is your dog drinking and urinating?
The veterinary team will perform blood tests to check your dog's complete blood count, liver enzyme levels, and kidney health. Urinalysis will also be used to check how well the kidneys are functioning, while an ultrasound may be performed to assess the liver and kidneys.
Treatment of Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs
Treating carprofen poisoning effectively typically requires hospitalization and the following steps.
Decontamination
Depending on the timing between ingestion and hospitalization, the veterinary team may choose to induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal.
Supportive care
IV fluids will provide much supportive and corrective care. Nausea medication, antibiotics, gastroprotectants, vitamin K1 for the liver, and diazepam if there are seizures can all be administered during supportive therapy. Kidney and liver function, as well as urine outflow, will be assisted through intravenous fluids. Your furry family member will be monitored carefully and will remain in the hospital as needed until blood levels are normal and organ function has returned.
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Recovery of Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs
Studies show that cases of carprofen poisoning in dogs often have a good prognosis with timely medical intervention. If there has been severe kidney or liver damage, or if the ulceration and hemorrhaging in the gastrointestinal tract and stomach are extremely damaging, the chances of recovery become guarded. If your pet is able to return home after treatment, they may require special care and will need a follow-up appointment with the veterinarian to re-evaluate with blood tests.
Finally, it's important to take steps to prevent carprofen poisoning. As with all other types of medication, carprofen should be kept out of reach of children and pets. It's also essential that you read the dosage instructions carefully before administering any medication to your dog.
Carprofen toxicity can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of carprofen poisoning, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Carprofen Poisoning Average Cost
From 34 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500
Average Cost
$500
Top
Carprofen Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Australian Kelpie
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Possible Overdose
My dog may have ovetdosed
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
WIthout knowing the dose of medication that your dog ate, or the weight of your dog, I don't have any way to say whether they overdosed It woudl be best to call an ER in your area and give them that information, so that they can help you determine if any action needs to be taken.
I hope that your dog is okay.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Jack Russell Terrier
Thirteen Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Took My Other Dogs Med
My 22 lb JR ate a 100 mg Carprofen. It is for my larger dog.
July 16, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello-
That is about 2X the daily dose of medication for a dog his size. My first recommendation would be to call pet poison helpline at 855-764-7661. They will be able to tell you based on the amount of medication she received if it is toxic and can make a treatment plan for your veterinarian. Overdoses of carprofen can cause GI upset, increased incidence of GI ulceration and at higher doses can be toxic to the kidneys. Good luck!
July 16, 2020
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Bedlington Terrier
Five Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My dog managed to get his bottle of his meds he was just prescribed. Had five pills in it. One is left. Each pill was 50mg. Do I need to worry about poisoning?
July 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello,
This may cause a little vomiting and diarrhea but a one-time dosage of 4 pills is not going to cause a lot of issues.
If your dog starts to act lethargic, it would be best to see a vet.
July 11, 2020
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Beagle
Annie
1 Year
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0 found this helpful
My one year old beagle mix climbed on the counter and got my other dog's medicine. It was in a child proof container, but Annie chewed through the bottle. It was 10 Vetprofen 75 mg tablets. I called the emergency vet and they said to call poison control. I called them and paid $60 for them to tell me to go to the emergency vet. The emergency vet said it would cost a minimum of $250. I simply don't have it. What can I do? Make her throw up, give her activated charcoal?
Aug. 21, 2018
0 Recommendations
If Annie consumed ten 75mg tablets we know that 750mg was ingested, with a female Beagle weighing around 9kg (20lbs) we can say that a total acute dose of 83.3mg/kg was consumed; we know from literature that kidney and liver damage may occur at ingestions over 40mg/kg and supportive/symptomatic care (notably fluids, silybin and SAMe) should be given. We are already past inducing vomiting and activated charcoal which should have been done within an hour or two; now it is all about supportive care. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.vetoquinolusa.com/sites/uscountry/files/vetprofen-caplets-insert.pdf
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/toxicology-brief-managing-acute-carprofen-toxicosis-dogs-and-cats?id=&sk=&date=&pageID=2
www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/carprofen/
Aug. 21, 2018
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French Bulldog
Charlie
4 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Hello, I was giving my dog her medication when my 4 month old Frenchie came and I was unable to tell who took ate the tablet. This happened at 6:45pm and it is now 7:45pm. So far no side symptoms have been seen. I’m not sure what the time frame would be for him to display symptoms. It was 50 mg of Carprofen. He weighs 16 lbs. He ate this on a full stomach and is not taking any other medications.
Aug. 7, 2018
2 Recommendations
Charlie received a dose of around 3.125mg/lb which is less than double therapeutic maximum dosage, we generally see symptoms after a single administration of five times or more of normal maximum dose. I would keep an eye on Charlie for the time being and ensure that he is hydrated; if any symptoms present you should visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.petpoisoncontrol.com/portfolio/carprofen/
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/toxicology-brief-managing-acute-carprofen-toxicosis-dogs-and-cats
Aug. 7, 2018
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Australian Cattle Dog
Sheeba
13
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
My 13 year old dog had 7 teeth extracted about 5 weeks ago, and she was on carprofen prescribed by vet for pain, and he ok'd it to continue the carprofen twice daily for her arthritis. A week ago, I noticed she was acting very slow on our hike, then she drank a lot more water than usual. Three days ago, she vomited bile after eating grass, then struggled to poop (it was in little pieces). She didn't want to eat dinner that night, so I gave her some cottage cheese. The next morning she wouldn't eat, either, so more cottage cheese and no more carprofen. She was still struggling to poop, but she is eating cottage cheese for dinner, some salmon, and she loves her milkbones. She is not acting like she is in pain. I have been giving her probiotics with her evening meal every day. Last night she had some soft red stools, and I did some research to find out she most likely had carprofen poisoning. Today she had a soft bowel movement (normal color), then bright red diarrhea after wards, so I know she has an internal bleed. She is still drinking and peeing more than normal, and it is sunday, so I can get her into the vet tomorrow. Will this go away after the carprofen is completely out of her system? Should I get her some prilosec OTC until I can get her to the vet tomorrow? Or do I need to take her to emergency?
terrier
Dakota
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My dog got into a bottle of carprofen there were three in the bottle with the dosage of 75mg, shes a medium sized dog weighs at 50pounds should I take her to the vet. She doesn’t have any symptoms and we have her some breed just in case to absorb what she took
Carprofen Poisoning Average Cost
From 34 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500
Average Cost
$500
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