7/22 Tigger PMPS 271 - Questions about Gabapentin

So Tigger has the IM specialist on Thursday and they really want us to pre-medicate with Gabapentin. I'm not thrilled about it but after seeing him shiver & shake (for the first time ever) at the regular vet the other day, I am going to do it. Mostly because the car ride to the specialist is 35 min vs 5. But also a tech there said she has to dope her kitty every time and she just brings him right there. He is just a nervous guy. The thing about Tigger though - he's not NORMALLY a nervous guy. he's pretty chill. I'm worried/wondering what I might see after administering the gabapentin. (OT side confession, I'm petrified of giving any animal Meloxicam because I am certain it is what "allowed" our very sick guinea pig to "let go" and leave us after only one dose . . . like hours later . . . after fighting for days. I know I am irrational but I can't help it).

 

Gizmo was a big vet stresser. The only time I "doped" him up was 1) pain meds (I think it was Torbogisic, but don't remember for sure) because he was so stressed and he was also getting a cysto. And 2) I started giving cbd right before I left (drive was 20-30 min). Did either do any good? IDK.

Gaba will sedate and calm. Gizmo got Gaba for pain (pancreatitis) but it was transdermal vs oral.

 

One of my civvies, Becca, really, really hates visits to the vet. One time she bloodied both our vet and me, to our respective professional and personal embarrassment.

Since then a very light dose of gabapentin (50mg) sprinkled on top of her food two hours before the appointment has made a world of difference. She's not dopey or anything. Just calmer, less scared.

 

thats exactly the dose they want - 50 mg 2 hours before car ride . . . i'm encouraged but still slightly apprehensive, but thanks for your input!!!!

 

Meloxicam is lot different than gabapentin. Neko tried gaba for her arthritis. It made her sleepy, but not much else. For travel, I sprayed the carrier with Feliway and gave her Rescue Remedy. Good luck with the vet visit,

 

I highly recommend Feliway . Everything will go better than you expect

 

we did a few years ago - unfortunately didn't work

 

Everything will go better than you expect

 

I believe fear-free methods advocate the use of gabapentin for cats that are stressed during vet visits. We usually do that for caution cats that we can't handle and it does make a huge difference. I also think it's nicer and it means we don't have to restrain as... aggressively, for lack of better word.

I know my cat at the vet is different from at home. He's more growly, more cranky, and has attitude. If I'm there, he's still growly but because I'm handling/restraining him, he's less mean. It made it easier for my coworkers compared to when I wasn't there. Normally, at home, he's super chill. You can do anything to him and he won't care.

 

I'm just weary of administering drugs he doesn't need. He already has FD (brought on by steroid use), CKD, history of elevated Liver Levels, IBD or "other" stomach issue. How many studies have been about all these different drugs interacting in cats specifically, you know? I've heard a lot of stories now that say the gaba can really help so I am planning on going ahead with it, but I dunno, I guess I just wanted some more advice

 

Definitely, I understand that. We've had a patient develop diabetes because they were using a long term anti-itch medication. Then we all know that the use of steroids causes FD and other issues with the liver etc. I think it's a good idea you're asking for advice

 

You are preaching to the choir..
Amen. Amen, AMEN.
I appreciate hearing this publicly on FD Forum- I thank you