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Cats can remain on gabapentin indefinitely, particularly for chronic conditions like arthritis. Long-term use is part of many cats’ pain management plans, with regular veterinary oversight to monitor for potential side effects or necessary dosage adjustments. The authors conclude that gabapentin may be useful for some signs of pain in cats with osteoarthritis. Given the potential for central sensitization and/or neuropathic pain in chronic osteoarthritis pain, use of drugs which target the central nervous system may be beneficial. The anticonvulsant gabapentin is clinically effective in relieving some types of chronic pain in people, although the mechanism of action is not clear.14 Individual case reports demonstrate that gabapentin shows promise in cats,15 and doses starting at 10 mg/kg given orally twice a day have been suggested.16 Some animals become sedate and Osteoarthritis in Dogs); mAB (monoclonal antibody); MICAT-C (Montreal Instrument for Cat Arthritis Testing - Caretaker); MiPSC (Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist); NGF (nerve growth factor); NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug); OA (osteoarthritis); PRA (prostaglandin receptor antagonist); SNoRE (Sleep and Nighttime Introduction: Gabapentin may have antinociceptive effects in cats with osteoarthritis. The goal was to evaluate gabapentin in geriatric cats with osteoar-thritis and owner-identied mobility impairment. mobility impairment were studied. The most common joints affected were shoulders, elbows, hips and tarsal joints. 4 A U.S. study of 100 cats between 6 months and 20 years of age undergoing orthopedic radiography revealed that 91% of the cats had damage in at least one joint. 5 Osteoarthritis in cats exists and is much more prevalent than anyone knew. Gabapentin has been proposed for the treatment of neuropathic pain and was recently investigated as a treatment option for osteoarthritis pain in cats. Geriatric cats that suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) have limited pain management options. The objective of the study reported here was to evaluate the effects of gabapentin in geriatric cats with osteoarthritis and owner-identified mobility impairment in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study by use of CSOMs, owner-perceived QOL, and accelerometer-based activity assessments. Finally, therapeutic diets for arthritis in cats have become that contain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) as well as glucosamine and chondroitin. Some data has been published indicating these diets may have beneficial effects in cats with arthritis such as improved mobility and decreased pain. References. 1. Yes, gabapentin can help manage pain associated with arthritis in cats, although it’s important to understand its specific role and limitations. Gabapentin (12.5 mg/kg PO q12h) was administered. Gabapentin is used in humans with neuropathic pain and is widely used in dogs and cats to treat chronic pain despite the lack of large clinical studies. Some case reports support its use in cats with chronic musculoskeletal disease. 12,13 Gabapentin is renally excreted. Osteoarthritis treatment falls into three categories: lifestyle changes, pharmacological intervention, and nonpharmacological intervention. QUICK LINKS. Introduction. Degenerative joint disease vs. osteoarthritis. Prevalence and pathophysiology. Clinical signs. Treatment. References. Osteoarthritis in cats is likely to be a source of chronic pain (Monteiro 2020); therefore, as vets we need to be aware of the high incidence of OA in the older cat, and should not dismiss an owner's observation that their cat cannot jump as high anymore as just ‘being normal’ for an older animal. If the cat is in pain and unwilling to move 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. One of the most common uses of gabapentin in cats is for the management of chronic pain, particularly in older felines suffering from arthritis or other degenerative conditions. Gabapentin works by blocking the transmission of pain signals in the brain, providing relief for cats experiencing discomfort. What we do know about cats is that the bioavailability of gabapentin is highly variable, at least in nonfasted cats. 13 This finding means that dosages that provide serum concentrations of gabapentin adequate for analgesia may be higher and more variable among patients than we once thought. The dose range has long been reported as 3 to 20 mg/kg Introduction: Gabapentin may have antinociceptive effects in cats with osteoarthritis. The goal was to evaluate gabapentin in geriatric cats with osteoarthritis and owner-identified mobility impairment. A second study reported that 90% of cats older than 12 years of age had radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis, even though only 4% of these had any mention of arthritis by either owner or veterinarian. 2 In both studies, osteoarthritis was most prevalent in the shoulders, elbows, spine, coxofemoral joints, and tarsi. 1,2 A third study Studies have shown that although cats may have x-ray evidence of arthritis, far fewer of those cats show obvious signs of pain and decreased mobility at home. This can make arthritis in cats difficult to appreciate at home, or diagnose during veterinary visits. But the treatment of arthritis is also challenging for cats and their caretakers. Feline osteoarthritis is a prevalent but often underdiagnosed condition that profoundly impacts the quality of life in affected cats. A comprehensive understanding of its pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management options is critical for effective intervention.
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