Based on these findings, gabapentin appeared to be the most frequently used an effective monotherapy for FHS, as well as an effective drug in conjunction with other therapies. While skin disease may have played a role in some of the patients, therapy for atopy was no successful in many cases. Cats with feline hyperesthesia syndrome have a variety of unusual behaviors, including: rippling of the muscles along the back; running through the house as if being chased; and biting at various parts of their body, including the tail and flank. Feline hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS) is a poorly understood disorder of cats characterised by a wide variety of clinical signs. This condition was first reported in 1980 and several names have been used since, including ‘apparent neuritis’, ‘atypical neurodermatitis’, ‘rolling skin syndrome’ or ‘twitchy cat disease’. 1 Despite the disparity of names used to describe this Hyperesthesia. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) isn’t a single disease but rather a set of symptoms that indicate a skin, neurologic or behavioral problem. Hyperesthesia is the opposite of anesthesia – instead of lack of sensation, a cat with hyperesthesia appears to have too much sensation from the skin or muscles under the skin. Hyperesthesia syndrome is felt to be a type of compulsive disorder, usually initiated when the cat is in conflict. The cat wants to perform one behavior but is prevented from doing so and ultimately in frustration performs another behavior. After a while, this second behavior, which frequently is grooming, is performed compulsively. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS), also known as “rippling skin syndrome,” is often treated with gabapentin due to its nerve-calming properties. It helps reduce the neuropathic pain and overactive nerve firing that contribute to FHS episodes. Gabapentin has many useful properties for treating cats beyond use as an anticonvulsant. It is used off-label in cats to reduce situational anxiety, provide pain relief, and is the preferred treatment for a condition called feline hyperesthesia syndrome. 9. Can gabapentin cause diarrhea in cats? Yes, diarrhea is one of the common side effects of gabapentin, and it can be exacerbated by an overdose. 10. What is feline hyperesthesia and can gabapentin help? Hyperesthesia is a condition that causes extreme skin sensitivity, particularly on the back. Gabapentin can help manage the pain and I decided to take her to the vet and told them about it, as well as my suspicion of feline hyperesthesia. They did a basic neurological test for responsiveness, checked her blood, checked her visually and her fur. All looked good. The vet recommended trying her on gabapentin which she said can be helpful in hyperesthesia. Signs of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome occurs in short episodes and usually involves the area right in front of a cat’s tail (lumbar spine). These episodes may last only 1 to 2 minutes. During an episode, signs of FHS in cats may include: Excessive grooming, especially of the lower back Gabapentin is safe for cats and is commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat pain, anxiety, and feline hyperesthesia syndrome. It has a low risk of side effects when taken at the correct dosage. Treatment for feline hyperesthesia syndrome: a condition marked by extreme and often painful sensitivity on the cat's skin Cats can take a single dose of gabapentin as needed or take it as part of a long-term treatment plan. She started gabapentin today, 7mg each 12h (about 1,5mg/kg); I prefer to give her a small dose in the beginning and increase if needed. I know there are some other persons here at the forum who have experience with this drug, could you please tell me how long it takes to kick in and what is your feedback with your cats? 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 not only helps with seizures but also is effective for managing pain caused by nerves that are oversensitive. Compulsive grooming. Toys or other objects of stimulation may help In addition to pain and stress, gabapentin for cats can also be used to treat seizures, cancer pain, and feline hyperesthesia syndrome. How fast does gabapentin work? Gabapentin is absorbed quickly in the body and its effects are usually noticed in a couple of hours after taking it. Gabapentin Dosage for Cats. The dosage for gabapentin may vary depending on a cat’s size, as well as whether it’s being used as a pain medication, as part of seizure management, or as a sedative before vet visits or travel. From a safety perspective, a gabapentin dosage for cats will typically not exceed 50-100mg per cat to address pain or The potential usefulness of gabapentin as an adjunctive pain-modifying medication for feline osteoarthritis is further evidenced by a small case series, 25 and a study demonstrating improved activity levels, owner-perceived mobility, and quality of life. 26 Gabapentin is in fact the most commonly prescribed therapeutic by US veterinarians (71% Gabapentin (a drug frequently used to control epileptic seizures) works well, but otherwise it depends where they are hyperesthetic. We have, for example, worked with our anesthesia to perform a local epidural injection in animals with lumbosacral or tail pain.”
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