Increased packed cell volume (pcv) after Gabapentin in dogs

The FDA has received 38 reports of increased packed cell volume (pcv) 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.

38Reports

92%Marked serious

18%Recovered

37%Died or euthanised

8 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

3 11%

1–2 days

3 11%

3–7 days

7 26%

1–4 weeks

4 15%

Over a month

10 37%

How the animals did

Recovered

7 18%

Still unwell when reported

9 24%

Died

9 24%

Euthanised

5 13%

Not known

8 21%

Problems reported at the same time

25 66%

24 63%

23 61%

20 53%

17 45%

14 37%

13 34%

13 34%

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 increased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs?: 38 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 8 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 increased packed cell volume (pcv)