Torn ligament after Gabapentin in dogs

The FDA has received 34 reports of torn ligament in dogs after Gabapentin. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

34Reports

82%Marked serious

5.9%Recovered

8.8%Died or euthanised

55 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

2 7.7%

1–2 days

1 3.8%

3–7 days

2 7.7%

1–4 weeks

6 23%

Over a month

15 58%

How the animals did

Recovered

2 5.9%

Still unwell when reported

20 59%

Euthanised

3 8.8%

Not known

9 26%

Problems reported at the same time

Lameness

11 32%

Bone and joint disorder

9 26%

Abnormal radiograph finding

7 21%

5 15%

5 15%

5 15%

5 15%

Proprioception deficit

5 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 torn ligament in dogs?: 34 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 55 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 torn ligament