In cats, gabapentin is most often used as a pain medication for chronic pain, such as from arthritis. Gabapentin is also recognized as beneficial in reducing the fear responses that a kitty may have to the stress of handling and being examined at the vet. Further, we hypothesized that cats given a higher dose of gabapentin (100 mg/cat) would have a lower cat stress score (CSS) than cats given a lower dose (50 mg/cat). Finally, we aimed to observe all cats for adverse events as a function of 50 mg/cat and 100 mg/cat gabapentin doses vs placebo. Materials and methods Dilated pupils may also be seen in cats. pp507-12 states that "All cats received gabapentin for several months at an average dose of 6.5 mg/kg q12h." Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome: Gabapentin is also used to manage hyperesthesia in cats, a condition characterized by abnormal sensitivity to touch and skin rippling. It’s important to note that gabapentin is not a cure for these conditions; rather, it helps manage the symptoms and improve the cat’s quality of life. Gabapentin use in the year before AAG diagnosis was associated with a 42% increase of AAG, the researchers found. However, no association was found for current use of either gabapentin or pregabalin. In addition, the incidence of AAG was associated with moderate drug exposure (3-5 prescriptions in the year before diagnosis). Gabapentin reduces stress and increases sedation at 1.5 h after treatment, with no significant effect on horizontal pupil diameter, intraocular pressure or Schirmer tear test-1 results. You should be aware of the potential side effects: Clomipramine (Clomicalm, Anafranil) - Veterinary Partner - VIN - Translation: be on the alert for urination and constipation issues, dilated pupils (see post #15 in that thread FeebysOwner referenced).. Pupils don't seem to dilate during the episodes but I can't really tell as she most often has the episodes during the evening. The Vet said that it can be an allergy to food but can also be seizures or feline hypertensia and recommended that we try a gabapentin treatment. If you notice your cat has dilated pupils, move him to a source of light, or shine a flashlight or penlight in the eyes to see if they constrict (go smaller). If there is no change, despite exposure to light, consult your veterinarian. That is a high end dose but gabapentin is very safe. You should expect sedation and some ataxia (wobbly walking). Some cats can have dilated pupils or uneven pupil size. The effects can last about 12 hours. Gabapentin overdose can cause a range of symptoms, including lethargy, weakness, loss of coordination, dilated pupils, tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can even lead to seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Gabapentin works by blocking the transmission of pain signals in the brain, providing relief for cats experiencing discomfort. Additionally, gabapentin can also be used to help calm anxious or stressed cats, making it a useful tool for veterinary professionals treating pets with behavior issues. Dilated fundus examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed macular edema and serous retinal detachment of macula in both eyes . Fluorescence angiography revealed fluorescein dye pooling on the macula and multiple leakages in both eyes (Fig. 1E and 1F). The patient was advised to discontinue gabapentin, and the use of Cats are known for their beautiful eyes. They even have special pupils that change shape! When fully open (dilated), their pupils are round, but when constricted, they have a vertical ellipse shape. There are some common side effects we may expect to see with buprenorphine in cats. Typically, their pupils get very dilated, which is an effect called mydriasis. Most cats will then also exhibit some behavioral changes including excessive purring, rubbing on things, pacing around, and hyperactivity. When Lucy or Sunshine take gabapentin, their dilated pupils disappear. They curl up into balls to take naps and show their bellies. They are calmer and happier – but they still have their personalities. Feline Hyperesthesia, which gabapentin may be used to treat in some instances, is a condition characterized by behavioral and physical symptoms such as dilated pupils, rippling skin, excessive scratching or digging, tail chasing, vocalization, and inappropriate urination. There are several side effects of gabapentin that may manifest in cats, ranging from mild to severe. These side effects can impact the overall health and well-being of your pet, so it is crucial to monitor them closely when they are on this medication. Fifty-three cats met the inclusion criteria and completed the study. Cat stress score (a measure of fear) was lower in cats that received gabapentin (50 or 100 mg) than in cats that received placebo (50 mg: P = 0.027; 100 mg: P = 0.029), with the greatest reduction at 2 h post-treatment (P = 0.0007). Needs those eyes checked by your vet. Dilated pupils can be indicative of illnesses such as hypertension, glaucoma, generalized pain and other diseases. At his age he's more susceptible to all of those and all can be treated. It's very possible he has kidney disease based on symptoms but again only the vet will be able to diagnose this.
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