Take a look at this blog to learn more about gabapentin and its use in the recovery process after cancer surgery for cats.
A cancer diagnosis for your feline can be life-changing, but advances in veterinary medicine have given guardians and their companions various treatment options. Many feline cancer patients undergo a combination of surgery and radiation or chemotherapy. As we have discussed in other blogs, recovering from surgery can be challenging for cats and their humans alike. If your feline companion is recovering from cancer surgery, your veterinary care team may have prescribed gabapentin. Keep reading to learn more about this pain medication and its use in the recovery process after cancer surgery for cats.
Gabapentin for Seizure Control and Pain Management
Gabapentin is a common non-narcotic pain medication that is used for cats, dogs, and people. This drug, which is available under a variety of brand names, is used to treat nerve pain, chronic pain, anxiety, and seizures. Your feline may be prescribed pills or liquid medication, and gabapentin is often used with other medications to manage postoperative pain. Some common side effects of gabapentin in cats are drowsiness and a lack of coordination.
Why Gabapentin is Used After Cancer Surgery for Cats
This medication is a popular choice for veterinary specialists performing cancer surgery for cats because it can treat both the pain and anxiety associated with veterinary surgery. Additionally, it is often widely available and relatively inexpensive. Although gabapentin is typically well-tolerated, many veterinary professionals use caution when prescribing it for cats with kidney disease. Because it is not a narcotic or NSAID, gabapentin may be prescribed along with narcotic pain relievers or NSAIDs to manage pain after cancer surgery for cats.
Things to Consider When Administering Gabapentin
As with any other medication, you should administer gabapentin following your veterinary care team’s precise instructions. Felines given gabapentin to treat seizures should not stop taking it abruptly; guardians should follow all tapering instructions from their veterinary professionals. It is critical that guardians only use gabapentin that has been prescribed specifically for their companions — some liquid forms of gabapentin designed for humans contain xylitol and other ingredients that can be harmful for your feline. If your companion has kidney disease, discuss potential complications with your veterinary surgeon and determine what symptoms to watch for. Although giving oral medications to cats can be challenging, gabapentin is known to reduce pain, pain-associated behaviors, and anxiety when used appropriately.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.