Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / March 2008

The neurologist prescribed Gabapetin for this. What is

I think it's Gabapentin (Neurontin) which is a human anti-seizure med, now
also used for pain control in situations with nerve involvement (like
shingles):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a694007.html

http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dpain.html
Gabapentin (Neurotin Rx): is a seizure control medication that seems to
suppress chronic pain. It is expensive and we have not had a situation in
which we had to use it so I have no personal experience with it. The
recommended dosage is 1 to 4mg/kg every 12 hours in dogs and every 24 hours
in cats. In humans gabapentin is reported to provide additional pain relief
in extreme pain situations in which narcotics such as morphine aren't potent
enough alone.

This vet claims is has minimal side effects in dogs:
http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/askthevet/askthevet_05.php

Not commonly used for epilepsy in dogs due to expense and multiple dosing
during the day:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=560

.........I'd certainly ask all your questions to the person who prescribed
this drug.  Especially about side effects in dogs that you need to be aware
of.  Is the dog on any steroids or is this the only med?

buglady
take out the dog before replying