Gabapentin: Clinical Use and Pharmacokinetics in Dogs, Cats, and Horses

Effects of Gabapentin on the Treatment of Behavioral Disorders in Dogs: A Retrospective Evaluation

The use of gabapentin in treating dogs with behavioral disorders is not well described. To characterize behavioral effects of gabapentin, this study surveyed 50 owners whose dogs were prescribed gabapentin at a veterinary behavior-focused practice over a five-year period. Most owners (72%) reported that gabapentin was moderately or very effective at improving their dog's behavior. The majority of owners reported at least one side effect (70%), with sedation being the most common. Sedation was more likely to be seen at doses higher than 30 mg/kg. Specific dose ranges (mg/kg) did not correlate with any other reports of side effects nor effectiveness. Dogs with a diagnosis of conflict-related aggression were more likely to have owners report that gabapentin was effective at improving behavior compared to dogs with other behavioral diagnoses (p = 0.04), while dogs diagnosed with aggression secondary to high arousal were less likely to have owners report that gabapentin was effective (p = 0.01). Overall, reports of effect varied widely and, with the exception of sedation, did not correlate with specific mg/kg dose ranges. Results suggest that some dogs may be more sensitive or resistant to adverse and/or therapeutic effects than others and multiple dosage trials may be needed before finding the best fit.

Neuropathic pain in cats: Mechanisms and multimodal management

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic pain is a significant welfare concern in cats, and neuropathic pain, which arises from aberrant processing of sensory signals within the nervous system, is a subcategory of this type of pain. To comprehend this condition and how multimodal pharmacotherapy plays a central role in alleviating discomfort, it is crucial to delve into the anatomy of nociception and pain perception. In addition, there is an intricate interplay between emotional health and chronic pain in cats, and understanding and addressing the emotional factors that contribute to pain perception, and vice versa, is essential for comprehensive care.Clinical approach:Neuropathic pain is suspected if there is abnormal sensation in the area of the distribution of pain, together with a positive response to trial treatment with drugs effective for neuropathic pain. Ideally, this clinical suspicion would be supported by confirmation of a lesion at this neurolocalisation using diagnostic modalities such as MRI and neuroelectrophysiology. Alternatively, there may be a history of known trauma at that site. A variety of therapies, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory and adjuvant drugs, and neuromodulation (eg, TENS or acupuncture), can be employed to address different facets of pain pathways.Aim:This review article, aimed at primary care/ general practitioners, focuses on the identification and management of neuropathic pain in cats. Three case vignettes are included and a structured treatment algorithm is presented to guide veterinarians in tailoring interventions.Evidence base:The review draws on current literature, where available, along with the author's extensive experience and research.

Pharmacokinetic report: Pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of gabapentin in goats (Capra hircus)

Gabapentin is used in goats to treat chronic pain associated with lameness. However, pharmacokinetic data and clinical effectiveness trials are lacking. The objective of the study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in goats following a single oral dose. Six Spanish-crossbred goats were enrolled. Each goat was administered gabapentin at a target dose of 15 mg/kg per os. Serial blood samples were collected out to 60 h post-gabapentin administration for plasma gabapentin concentration determination. Plasma samples were analyzed for gabapentin concentration using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. Individual animal pharmacokinetic outcomes were determined using non-compartmental analysis. Gabapentin was detectable in the plasma of all goats at 60 h post-administration. The mean (±SD) Cmax was 2.01 ± 0.62 μg/mL which occurred at 8.47 ± 1.9 h. The mean terminal half-life (T1 /2 ) and mean resident time were determined to be 8.52 ± 1.8 and 18.7 ± 4.0 h, respectively. This study indicates gabapentin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of goats. Further research is needed to determine an optimal dose for clinical efficacy in goats.

Nanotechnological advances in the treatment of epilepsy: a comprehensive review

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent chronic neurological disorders characterized by frequent unprovoked epileptic seizures. Epileptic seizures can develop from a broad range of underlying abnormalities such as tumours, strokes, infections, traumatic brain injury, developmental abnormalities, autoimmune diseases, and genetic predispositions. Sometimes epilepsy is not easily diagnosed and treated due to the large diversity of symptoms. Undiagnosed and untreated seizures deteriorate over time, impair cognition, lead to injuries, and can sometimes result in death. This review gives details about epilepsy, its classification on the basis of International League Against Epilepsy, current therapeutics which are presently offered for the treatment of epilepsy. Despite of the fact that more than 30 different anti-epileptic medication and antiseizure drugs are available, large number of epileptic patients fail to attain prolonged seizure independence. Poor onsite bioavailability of drugs due to blood brain barrier poses a major challenge in drug delivery to brain. The present review covers the limitations with the state-of-the-art strategies for managing seizures and emphasizes the role of nanotechnology in overcoming these issues. Various nano-carriers like polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, lipidic nanoparticles such as solid lipid nanoparticles, nano-lipid carriers, have been explored for the delivery of anti-epileptic drugs to brain using oral and intranasal routes. Nano-carries protect the encapsulated drugs from degradation and provide a platform to deliver controlled release over prolonged periods, improved permeability and bioavailability at the site of action. The review also emphasises in details about the role of neuropeptides for the treatment of epilepsy.

The Effects of Fitness Training on Working Dog Behavior: Two Case Studies

Working dogs perform complex tasks that require both physical and behavioral soundness. Two case studies demonstrate how fitness training moderated arousal levels, facilitated training, and improved performance measures in different situations. Fitness training can be beneficial when integrated as part of a working dog's training regimen because it can have a significant influence on their overall health, behavior, and ability to perform their working role effectively.