Ear discharge after Gabapentin in dogs

35 reports to the FDA describe ear discharge in dogs given 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.

35Reports

83%Marked serious

14%Recovered

17%Died or euthanised

18 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

7 24%

1–2 days

4 14%

3–7 days

2 6.9%

1–4 weeks

6 21%

Over a month

10 34%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 8.6%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 5.7%

Still unwell when reported

8 23%

Died

5 14%

Euthanised

1 2.9%

Not known

16 46%

Problems reported at the same time

Abnormal cytology

14 40%

Didn't work as expected

11 31%

11 31%

10 29%

9 26%

8 23%

8 23%

8 23%

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 ear discharge in dogs?: 35 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 18 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 ear discharge