Another serious side effect of gabapentin in dogs is liver damage. 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. In dogs, gabapentin was useful in the treatment of epilepsy, as well as chronic, neuropathic, and post-operative pain and anxiety. In cats, it was effective in post-ovariohysterectomy-related pain and in the management of anxiety. In horses, it has been administered as an analgesic for chronic pain. Gabapentin should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets that: have kidney disease; are pregnant and/or lactating ; Do not stop this medication abruptly in pets with epilepsy, as this can cause withdrawal seizures. Some liquid oral formulations contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs, so be cautious and read the label before administering. He continues to remain off gabapentin without any sequelae of liver disease. Discussion. Gabapentin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue with an obscure mechanism of action, is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the management of epilepsy and post-herpetic neuralgia . Additionally, it is used, off-label, for the treatment of Gabapentin is a medication that is commonly used in humans to treat nerve pain and seizures. However, it has also gained popularity as a treatment for dogs with various medical conditions. But is gabapentin safe for dogs? This is a question that many pet owners are asking, and the answer is not always straightforward. Gabapentin is metabolized by the kidneys, so it is a safer choice for dogs who have a history of liver disease, though there are other, more effective medications that don’t affect the liver. In dogs with underlying kidney disease opens in a new tab , lower dosing or less frequent dosing may be recommended. 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. 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? However, the effects may persist longer in dogs with liver and kidney disease. Therefore, Gabapentin should be used with caution in dogs with: Liver and kidney problems The kidneys and liver are needed for the metabolism of gabapentin so it should be avoided by dogs with liver disease or kidney disease. Pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs taking antacids, hydrocodone or morphine should not take it to avoid drug interactions. Q: What Medications Should Be Used in Dogs With Elevated Liver Enzymes and Chronic Kidney Disease? Elevated Liver Enzymes. It has been shown that, in the absence of liver dysfunction, elevated liver enzymes—serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT)—are not necessarily a contraindication to the administration of 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 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 should also be used with caution in animals with kidney or liver disease, as it will take longer to metabolize. What's the Gabapentin Dosage for Dogs? The dosage range for gabapentin varies widely depending on what it’s being used to treat. 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. Is Gabapentin okay for dogs with liver disease? My dog took gabapentin for arthritis for a few days and it really helps. She barely moves without it. My dog has elevated liver enzymes (mild) but the vet isn’t sure if it’s mild or serious. She is taking supplements for this. Gabapentin is metabolized through both the liver and kidneys in dogs, so it can potentially put stress on a dog’s liver, especially if liver function is already compromised. It is not necessarily “hard” on the liver, but caution is advised in dogs with liver disease. 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. While gabapentin is not directly known to cause liver damage, it should be used cautiously in dogs with pre-existing liver disease, as their liver may not be able to metabolize the drug efficiently, potentially leading to increased levels and adverse effects. Gabapentin for dogs is an anti-seizure and pain medication commonly prescribed to dogs by veterinarians. Gabapentin for dogs may be helpful for treating chronic pain especially nerve pain that is secondary to neurological diseases such as slipped discs. The most common side effects of gabapentin in dogs include sedation and dizziness.
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