Abnormal pupil light reflex after Gabapentin in dogs

The FDA has received 32 reports of abnormal pupil light reflex in dogs after Gabapentin. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

32Reports

88%Marked serious

6.3%Recovered

28%Died or euthanised

Same dayTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

13 54%

1–2 days

6 25%

3–7 days

3 13%

1–4 weeks

2 8.3%

Over a month

0 0.0%

How the animals did

Recovered

2 6.3%

Still unwell when reported

19 59%

Died

3 9.4%

Euthanised

6 19%

Not known

2 6.3%

Problems reported at the same time

12 38%

12 38%

9 28%

9 28%

Eye disorder (for photophobia see 'neurological')

8 25%

Dilated pupils

8 25%

Vocalising

7 22%

Bumping into walls

7 22%

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 pupil light reflex in dogs?: 32 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 the same day 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).

All reported side effects of Gabapentin in dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal pupil light reflex