Clinical Applications. Gabapentin has been used as an adjunct treatment for seizures in dogs and cats and as treatment for neuropathic pain. 4-9 Gabapentin may be effective as an adjunct treatment for acute pain in humans (eg, pain following some surgeries, including spinal surgery and hysterectomy) and, to a lesser extent, in dogs and cats. 10-16 The question of whether gabapentin is harmful to a dog’s liver is a valid concern for pet owners, especially when considering long-term medication. In short, while gabapentin is not known to directly cause liver damage in most cases, the situation isn’t entirely black and white. In rare cases, gabapentin can cause liver toxicity, which can lead to liver failure and death. This risk is higher in dogs with pre-existing liver disease or those taking other medications that can affect liver function. Quote from Veterinarian: “While Gabapentin is generally considered safe for dogs, there is a potential risk of liver damage with long-term use. It is important to monitor liver function tests periodically when a dog is taking Gabapentin to ensure that any potential issues are detected early.” Gabapentin is a commonly prescribed medication for dogs, used primarily to manage chronic pain, especially from conditions like arthritis or neuropathic pain, and to help control seizures. It can be a highly effective treatment option, but when given long-term, some pet owners wonder about the potential side effects. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the long-term effects of Gabapentin is a contraindicated drug for dogs with hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug or any of its excipients. It should also be used with caution in dogs with liver or kidney failure or disease. Like all agents, gabapentin can interact with other medications. With the reported exception of dogs, gabapentin is not metabolized by the liver, and it is normally excreted in its unchanged form in urine [25,100]. This kinetic behaviour could result in specific criticisms for certain categories of subjects (e.g., geriatrics, subjects with chronic hepatic and renal disease). Lastly, because gabapentin also undergoes some liver metabolism, it should be used with caution in dogs with liver disease. Which Is the More Effective Analgesic in Dogs—Gabapentin or Tramadol? Veterinarians usually recommend much lower doses of gabapentin in dogs that have liver or kidney disease. Warning! Do not use the human liquid version of gabapentin! The human liquid version of gabapentin contains xylitol. Xylitol is extremely toxic for dogs and can cause liver toxicity and even death if left untreated. So dogs with kidney or liver problems may have more prolonged side effects. Your veterinarian may want to monitor kidney and liver blood values when using gabapentin long-term. Recommended doses The short answer is: While rare, gabapentin can potentially contribute to liver injury in dogs, though it’s not a common side effect. The relationship is complex and often involves multiple factors rather than being a direct cause-and-effect scenario. 9. Can gabapentin cause liver or kidney damage in dogs? Gabapentin does not typically cause direct liver or kidney damage. However, it’s metabolized by the kidneys, so dogs with kidney disease may require lower doses to avoid side effects. 10. What happens if you stop gabapentin suddenly in dogs? Gabapentin is a unique anticonvulsant that is used as adjunctive therapy in management of epilepsy and for neuropathic pain syndromes. Therapy with gabapentin is not associated with serum aminotransferase elevations, but several cases of clinically apparent liver injury from gabapentin have been reported. Most dogs are prescribed gabapentin to manage chronic pain associated with arthritis and cancer as well as neural and post-operative pain. It’s often prescribed alongside NSAIDs or opiates. It’s thought to amplify their effect on pain management despite potential side effects. In dogs with kidney or liver diseases, gabapentin should be used with caution because it will take longer for them to metabolize the drug. Image Credit By: luchschenF, Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 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.
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