Straining to defecate after Gabapentin in dogs

38 reports to the FDA describe straining to defecate 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.

38Reports

76%Marked serious

7.9%Recovered

32%Died or euthanised

28 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

2 6.7%

1–2 days

6 20%

3–7 days

3 10%

1–4 weeks

5 17%

Over a month

14 47%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 7.9%

Still unwell when reported

19 50%

Died

1 2.6%

Euthanised

11 29%

Not known

4 11%

Problems reported at the same time

18 47%

16 42%

16 42%

12 32%

12 32%

10 26%

Abnormal radiograph finding

10 26%

Breathing problems

9 24%

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 straining to defecate 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 28 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 straining to defecate