Arthritis after Gabapentin in dogs

116 reports to the FDA describe arthritis in dogs given Gabapentin. That is 1.3% 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.

116Reports

77%Marked serious

4.3%Recovered

27%Died or euthanised

36 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

7 9.3%

1–2 days

9 12%

3–7 days

5 6.7%

1–4 weeks

12 16%

Over a month

42 56%

How the animals did

Recovered

2 1.7%

Recovered with lasting effects

3 2.6%

Still unwell when reported

58 50%

Died

6 5.2%

Euthanised

25 22%

Not known

22 19%

Problems reported at the same time

Lameness

39 34%

Bone and joint disorder

37 32%

Death

31 27%

Abnormal radiograph finding

31 27%

Breathing problems

23 20%

Loss of appetite

23 20%

Didn't work as expected

21 18%

Lethargy

21 18%

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 arthritis in dogs?: 116 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 36 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).

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