EXPRESS: Effect of oral gabapentin administered in-hospital on behavioral stress, compliance, and physiologic stress markers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

In-hospital oral gabapentin reduces examination stress behaviors and physiologic stress markers in cats within 90 minutes.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of a single 100-mg oral gabapentin dose administered after hospital admission on stress behaviors, handling compliance, and physiologic stress markers in 30 healthy client-owned cats (15 per group). At 90 minutes post-administration, the median gabapentin dose was 21.7 mg/kg, yielding a median serum concentration of 16.4 mcg/mL. Cats receiving gabapentin demonstrated notably reduced stress behaviors during physical examination (86% vs. 20% in placebo) and improved handling compliance (73% vs. 26%). However, no significant between-group differences were detected during venipuncture or dorsal positioning. Enclosure activity scores in the gabapentin group declined significantly from baseline (median 3) to median 2 at 120, 240, and 300 minutes post-dose, indicating mild sustained sedation. Physiologic stress markers were meaningfully improved: blood lactate and serum cortisol concentrations were both significantly lower in the gabapentin group compared to placebo (P = 0.002 and P = 0.04, respectively). Lymphocyte counts and blood glucose did not differ significantly between groups. The authors conclude that in-hospital oral gabapentin provides modest but clinically relevant improvements in examination-related stress and select physiologic markers within 90 minutes, supporting its incorporation into a multimodal, low-stress handling approach for cats that did not receive pre-appointment medication. Contingency plans for additional sedation should remain available, as gabapentin alone may be insufficient for more invasive procedures.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.