Intestinal perforation after Gabapentin in dogs

56 reports to the FDA describe intestinal perforation in dogs given Gabapentin. That is 0.6% 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.

56Reports

100%Marked serious

20%Recovered

59%Died or euthanised

9 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

2 5.4%

1–2 days

6 16%

3–7 days

10 27%

1–4 weeks

6 16%

Over a month

13 35%

How the animals did

Recovered

11 20%

Still unwell when reported

9 16%

Died

17 30%

Euthanised

16 29%

Not known

3 5.4%

Problems reported at the same time

35 63%

33 59%

28 50%

22 39%

22 39%

20 36%

19 34%

Abnormal ultrasound finding

16 29%

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 intestinal perforation in dogs?: 56 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 9 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).

Intestinal perforation with similar medicines

Intestinal perforation after Trazodone 21 reports · 0.8% of its reports

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