Gabapentin given before vet visits reduces stress in hyperthyroid cats

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin as an anxiolytic in hyperthyroid cats. Methods Cats (n = 47) with confirmed hyperthyroidism were successfully enrolled. The cat owner allocated a temperament score and a transport stress score at their first visit. For the second visit the cat owner (blinded to treatment) administered either liquid gabapentin 20 mg/kg (n = 22) or an indistinguishable placebo solution (n = 25) 1 h prior to leaving home. A second transport score was allocated by the cat owner at this visit. Upon admission a compliance score was independently assigned by two veterinary nurses blinded to treatment. Excess blood from routine blood draw was analysed for gabapentin plasma concentration from cats in the gabapentin group. Results There were no significant differences in baseline transport score between groups ( P = 0.13), but significant differences were noted in the second visit transport score between cats medicated with gabapentin compared with placebo ( P = 0.018). Mean compliance scores were significantly different between cats in the treatment group compared with placebo ( P = 0.019). Further sedation was required to complete the procedures in 24% of cats in the placebo group compared to 9% in the gabapentin group ( P = 0.25). Mean plasma gabapentin concentrations were 10.1 mg/l (range 1.7–22.7) in the gabapentin group within a 1–3 h time frame post-administration. Conclusions and relevance Hyperthyroid cats medicated with 20 mg/kg gabapentin 1 h prior to leaving home were more relaxed during transport and more compliant with veterinary procedures than cats administered a placebo solution.