Hind limb paresis after Gabapentin in dogs

234 reports to the FDA describe hind limb paresis in dogs given Gabapentin. That is 2.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

234Reports

98%Marked serious

8.5%Recovered

38%Died or euthanised

16 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

37 20%

1–2 days

23 13%

3–7 days

23 13%

1–4 weeks

33 18%

Over a month

68 37%

How the animals did

Recovered

20 8.5%

Still unwell when reported

108 46%

Died

19 8.1%

Euthanised

69 29%

Not known

18 7.7%

Problems reported at the same time

89 38%

58 25%

50 21%

47 20%

Proprioception deficit

40 17%

Lethargy

34 15%

Breathing problems

30 13%

Liver problems

28 12%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

118

About this medicine

Gabapentin used for pain and to reduce stress or anxiety.

Questions owners ask

Can Gabapentin cause hind limb paresis in dogs?: 234 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 16 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).

Hind limb paresis with similar medicines

Hind limb paresis after Selegiline (Anipryl) 46 reports · 1.1% of its reports
Hind limb paresis after Trazodone 22 reports · 0.9% of its reports

All reported side effects of Gabapentin in dogs · Medicines most reported with hind limb paresis