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Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common conditions in dogs, affecting up to 75% of adult medium-size and large dogs. 1-3 One corporate report of OA in dogs estimates a 66% increase in the past decade. 4 Yet a recent study of OA in primary care practices suggested that the prevalence of OA was only 2.5%, and the median age at the time of diagnosis was 10.5 years. 1 This suggests that Yes, Gabapentin can be used long-term for managing arthritis pain in dogs, and it is generally well-tolerated over time. Unlike some medications such as opioids , which can lead to tolerance, meaning the dose needs to be increased over time for the same effect, Gabapentin typically does not cause this issue. While gabapentin is often prescribed for dogs with arthritis, there is actually no research that has been done to show that gabapentin is effective or safe in dogs with arthritis. If it is used, gabapentin should be given three times a day to maintain steady blood levels. But, it often causes sedation, especially when dogs are first started on it. Gabapentin has become a commonly prescribed medication for dogs suffering from arthritis, and for good reason: Targets Neuropathic Pain: Arthritis often leads to neuropathic pain, which is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. Your veterinarian might prescribe gabapentin if your dog has intervertebral disk disease, any other condition leading to compression of the nerves or spinal cord, or even in some cases of arthritis pain. Dogs with arthritis often live with chronic pain. Thus, gabapentin can be a useful way to relieve arthritis pain in dogs. Your vet may sometimes prescribe it in conjunction with other pain-relieving medications such as NSAIDs or tramadol for dogs. Gabapentin may also help control pain associated with cancer in dogs. Gabapentin for dogs is commonly prescribed for pain, anxiety, or seizures. It's generally safe, but there are some known side effects to be aware of. Several case reports note analgesia when gabapentin was used for treatment of chronic pain. 14,15 And in a clinical study on postoperative pain in dogs undergoing mastectomy, although pain scores did not differ, dogs receiving NSAIDs plus gabapentin required fewer opioid rescue doses than dogs receiving NSAIDs alone; thus, the gabapentin did Gabapentin can sometimes cause your dog to be drowsy and sedated, and even a little wobbly for a few days, but this usually settles. Are there any side effects of gabapentin in dogs? Gabapentin doesn’t have a veterinary license, so its safety cannot be completely guaranteed. It’s most commonly used for the chronic pain associated with degenerative joint disease, such as arthritis. It has also shown to be beneficial when used in combination with other pain medications —such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or opioids—to help with pain associated with surgery. Does Gabapentin Help with Arthritis Pain in Dogs? Yes, gabapentin can be a useful medication for managing arthritis pain in dogs, although it’s important to understand that it’s not a traditional painkiller like NSAIDs. Existing drugs with scientifically proven mechanisms, such as NMDA-receptor antagonists and gabapentin/pregabalin, should be considered as adjunctive drugs; however, more research on dosing and dosing intervals specific to dogs is needed and important.
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