Abnormal cytology after Gabapentin in dogs

172 reports to the FDA describe abnormal cytology in dogs given Gabapentin. That is 1.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

172Reports

79%Marked serious

5.8%Recovered

25%Died or euthanised

23 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

14 10%

1–2 days

17 12%

3–7 days

20 14%

1–4 weeks

32 23%

Over a month

55 40%

How the animals did

Recovered

9 5.2%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 0.6%

Still unwell when reported

86 50%

Died

17 9.9%

Euthanised

26 15%

Not known

33 19%

Problems reported at the same time

Swelling

61 35%

Loss of appetite

53 31%

Death

43 25%

Didn't work as expected

41 24%

Lethargy

39 23%

Abnormal radiograph finding

39 23%

Liver problems

36 21%

Vomiting

36 21%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Gabapentin used for pain and to reduce stress or anxiety.

Questions owners ask

Can Gabapentin cause abnormal cytology in dogs?: 172 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 23 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Abnormal cytology with similar medicines

Abnormal cytology after Trazodone 52 reports · 2.1% of its reports

All reported side effects of Gabapentin in dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal cytology