Hind limb paralysis after Gabapentin in dogs

The FDA has received 102 reports of hind limb paralysis in dogs after Gabapentin. That is 1.1% 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.

102Reports

100%Marked serious

2.9%Recovered

47%Died or euthanised

7 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

23 28%

1–2 days

12 15%

3–7 days

8 9.9%

1–4 weeks

11 14%

Over a month

27 33%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 2.9%

Still unwell when reported

34 33%

Died

6 5.9%

Euthanised

42 41%

Not known

17 17%

Problems reported at the same time

48 47%

25 25%

25 25%

20 20%

20 20%

17 17%

Proprioception deficit

16 16%

Lethargy

15 15%

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 hind limb paralysis in dogs?: 102 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 7 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 hind limb paralysis