Gabapentin is usually used to manage chronic pain, especially nerve-related pain. It is also used (primarily in cats) to relieve anxiety associated with veterinary procedures, travel, and other fear-generating situations. Gabapentin can also be used as an additional medication in seizure management. According to pet experts and veterinarians, the safe dose of gabapentin for treating seizures in cats is 2-5mg/lb or 5-10mg/kg every 8 to 12 hours. For feline pain, the ideal amount of the medicine is 1.25 to 2 mg/kg every 12 hours. Gabapentin is a medication that is commonly used in veterinary medicine to manage pain and treat seizures in cats. While it can be an effective treatment for certain conditions, like any medication, it does come with potential side effects. The recommended oral dosage of gabapentin is: 10mg/kg to 20mg/kg bodyweight every six to eight hours in dogs. 4, 5, 11. and 5mg/kg to 10mg/kg every eight to 12 hours in cats. 6, 11. The role of gabapentin as adjunctive treatment to phenobarbital and/or KBr for canine idiopathic (primary) epilepsy has been investigated in two clinical studies. 4, 5 Gabapentin reduces nerve pain, calms anxiety, and helps control seizures by influencing the way nerve cells communicate. How Gabapentin Affects a Cat’s Nervous System. Pro Tip: Gabapentin works best when used consistently for chronic conditions like arthritis, but a single dose is effective for short-term anxiety relief (e.g., vet visits). Seizure Control: As an anticonvulsant, gabapentin can help manage seizures in cats, either as a primary treatment or alongside other anti-seizure medications. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome: Gabapentin is also used to manage hyperesthesia in cats, a condition characterized by abnormal sensitivity to touch and skin rippling. Gabapentin (brand names: Neurontin®, Aclonium®, Equipax®, Gantin®, Gabarone®, Gralise®, Neurostil®, Progresse®) is an anti-seizure and pain medication that is used with other medications to treat seizures and chronic pain, primarily nerve pain, in dogs and cats. Maintenance therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is recommended for most cats with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) when seizures occur more frequently than once every 12–16 weeks, and in all cats whenever seizures occur in a cluster (>1 seizure/24 h), when status epilepticus occurs, or when seizure frequency increases over time (see box below). 1,2 The recommendation to treat based on seizure If your cat is experiencing seizures, their vet will most likely recommend Gabapentin 2.5 to 5 mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours. Some cats can go up to 10mg per pound every six hours. The doses for cats range from 1.5 to 5 mg per pound every 12 hours to manage pain. Types of Cat Seizure Medications . Anticonvulsants are medications that can reduce or eliminate seizures in cats. Your veterinarian will choose a medication based on the nature of your cat's seizures. If your cat continues to have frequent or severe seizures, the vet may change to a new medication or add a second drug to the treatment plan. It is an anticonvulsant drug that was initially developed to control seizures in humans. However, its use in cats has expanded due to its effectiveness in managing pain, anxiety, and behavioral issues. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the uses, benefits, risks, and proper administration of gabapentin for cats. Treating Cat Seizures. When it comes to treating cat seizures, Gabapentin has proven to be a highly effective solution. Seizures can be a frightening and distressing experience for both cats and their owners, but with the use of Gabapentin, you can help your feline friend manage their seizures and improve their overall quality of life. Gabapentin is used in cats to manage chronic pain, control seizures, and reduce anxiety, especially during vet visits. The dosage varies, typically ranging from 1.5 to 5 mg per pound for pain relief, 2.5 to 5 mg per pound for seizures, and 20 mg/kg for anxiety before vet visits. Alternatives to Gabapentin for Cats. If Gabapentin isn’t a good match for your feline friend, don’t worry! There are plenty of options out there that could work! Ask your vet about the following medications. Benadryl. Children’s Benadryl has the active ingredient Diphenhydramine HCl and is great for cats 12 pounds and under. Seizure control: Gabapentin is used long-term to manage recurring seizures. Other medications are used to stop active seizures, but gabapentin is used to help prevent seizures from happening in the first place. It is used in conjunction with other anti-seizure medications as part of a daily long-term treatment plan. How Is Gabapentin Given? Gabapentin is used effectively as an anticonvulsant in cats, especially for those experiencing seizures. It acts by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. This feature makes it a valuable option when other medications may not be suitable or effective. If your cat is on gabapentin as a pain medication or as part of seizure control and he or she seems really sedate when taking it, make sure to contact your veterinarian for advice on adjusting the dosage. Gabapentin is thought to be effective in managing seizures in cats by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain and reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. This has led to more veterinarians considering Gabapentin as a treatment option for cats with seizure disorders. I consider LEV to be the preferred add-on anticonvulsant drug for cats receiving PB, due to lack of serious side effects and evidence of efficacy. Gabapentin is a structural analog of GABA. Gabapentin is thought to exert its anti-seizure effects via binding to the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated neuronal calcium channels. Cats with primary epilepsy tend to experience their first seizure at a young adult age. This is an uncommon cause of seizures in cats. Secondary epilepsy means there is a structural disease in the brain - for example, a brain tumour, inflammation or infection of the brain (encephalitis), or a recent or previous stroke or head trauma.
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