The Research Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most prevalent feline metabolic disease, and ≈1 in 4 cats with CKD exhibit systemic hypertension. 1,2 Reliable measurement of systemic arterial blood pressure (BP) is therefore important to identify and treat adverse effects of high BP on the kidneys, eyes, brain, and cardiovascular system. 2 An early study concluded that a dose of 20mg/kg was effective for this purpose in healthy cats, but this dose may be inappropriate for elderly cats, specifically those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Human studies have recommended Gabapentin doses be reduced in CKD patients, but no studies have been done in cats. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess serum concentrations of gabapentin in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) vs clinically healthy cats. Methods: Five healthy cats were enrolled in a pharmacokinetic study. A single 20 mg/kg dose of gabapentin was administered orally and blood was obtained at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 8 The primary concern is not that gabapentin directly worsens kidney disease, but that compromised kidney function can alter how the drug is metabolized, potentially leading to toxicity. It is crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate course of action. Is Gabapentin Hard on Cats’ Kidneys? A Comprehensive Guide. Why the Caution? 1. Can gabapentin cause kidney failure in cats? 2. If my cat has kidney disease, should I avoid gabapentin completely? 3. What are the signs of kidney problems in cats? 4. What medications can cause kidney problems in cats? 5. Can cats stay on gabapentin long-term? 6. Is gabapentin bad for cats with kidney disease? Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit higher serum concentrations of gabapentin, indicating a need for dose adjustment. It’s essential to administer lower doses to avoid potential toxicity and monitor their response closely. Gabapentin can be used to help manage the pain associated with kidney disease, improving the cat's comfort and overall quality of life. 7. Gabapentin for travel anxiety in cats : Some cats may become anxious or stressed when traveling, whether it be to the veterinarian or on a longer journey. Concern #13: Can Gabapentin be used in cats with liver or kidney disease? Answer: Gabapentin should be used with caution in cats with liver or kidney disease, as these conditions can affect how the medication is metabolized in the body. Your veterinarian may recommend adjusting the dosage or exploring alternative treatment options in these cases. Gabapentin may decrease arterial BP in cats with and without CKD and these findings should be taken into account when gabapentin is administered to patients in which measurement of BP is needed. Visits to the veterinary clinic can be a source of stress for both the feline patient and the caregiver. The question of whether gabapentin is safe for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complex and requires careful consideration. The short answer is: it can be safe when used judiciously, but it’s not without risks and requires dosage adjustments due to the kidneys’ role in its elimination. Customized Dosing: Veterinarians are now tailoring gabapentin dosages to individual cats with kidney disease, taking into account factors such as age, weight, and overall health. This personalized approach has shown promising results in managing pain and discomfort in cats with kidney disease. The 20 mg/kg stress-reduction dose of gabapentin may be beneficial to facilitate preventive veterinary care in younger, healthy cats, but this dose may be inappropriate for elderly cats, specifically those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Gabapentin and Kidney Disease. It’s essential to exercise caution when using gabapentin in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Higher doses can lead to excessive sedation and hypotension in these patients. A dose decrease of at least 50% is often used in these cases. It’s imperative to consult with your veterinarian if your cat has CKD. Investigating appropriate dosing for gabapentin sedation in cats with and without chronic kidney disease (2017) Winn Feline Foundation reports on the study's goals and Gabapentin sedation in cats with and without chronic kidney disease (2020) Winn Feline Foundation gives an update, stating that CKD cats seem to have much higher levels of Gabapentin should be used cautiously in cats with liver or kidney disease, as we may see it take longer for the effects to wear off. Its use should typically be avoided in pregnant queens. Investigating appropriate dosing for gabapentin sedation in cats with and without chronic kidney disease (2017) Winn Feline Foundation reports on the study's goals and Gabapentin sedation in cats with and without chronic kidney disease (2020) Winn Feline Foundation gives an update, stating that CKD cats seem to have much higher levels of Study demonstrates that companion cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) will exhibit compliance during veterinary visits on a lower dosage of gabapentin. Gabapentin is eliminated almost entirely through renal excretion, and decreased renal function significantly influences the pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in humans. 14 While doses of gabapentin in the range of 50–150 mg/cat have been used in normal cats, 4,5,11 it should be noted that higher doses may be unsuitable for cats with CKD. 15 In a Sixteen chronic kidney disease (CKD cats) – (ten IRIS Stage 2, twelve IRIS Stage 3) – have completed the limited sampling PK study at 10 mg/kg. Samples from eight CKD cats have been analyzed to date to test the model. The model performed well and the data for normal cats demonstrated that half-life was similar to previous published reports. Cats with CKD may need a reduced gabapentin dose to avoid excessive sedation. Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may experience a build-up of waste products and other compounds in their bloodstream, which healthy kidneys would usually remove or regulate.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |