Cats with chronic pain from cancer and cancer treatments can be prescribed gabapentin.Make sure to get a compounded version of the medication, which is not suitable for cats in the form it is given to humans.If necessary, hide the drug in food or treats or administer it in pill or liquid form.Monitor your cat's reaction to the drug.If you have to stop giving Gabapentin to your cat, stop it for two to three weeks.
Step 1: The medication needs to be prepared.
Measure out the dose of Gabapentin you want to use.Next to the spot where you are going to administer the medication is where to put it.A counter top or table will allow you to give your cat liquid without having to bend down.
Step 2: Prepare your cat for the dose.
You will administer the Gabapentin if you bring your cat to the spot.Your cat should be petted to calm it down.If you suspect that your cat will put up a fight, wrap a thick towel around it, which will restrict movement and reduce the cat's anxiety.
Step 3: Your cat should be given the medication.
Place your cat in front of you with it facing away from you.Put the end of the needle at the back corner of your cat's mouth.There is a space between your cat's cheek and gums.
Step 4: Give your cat a reward.
Give your cat a treat by petting it.Feed your cat another treat if it's wrapped in a towel.Positive associations with the process can be created by pet and praise of your cat.
Step 5: Put your cat down.
If necessary, wrap your cat in a towel and hold it against you.With one hand, tilt your cat's head upwards.Make sure your cat doesn't fall against you.
Step 6: Put the pill in the cat's mouth.
To get a Gabapentin pill, hold it between your thumb and forefinger.To open your cat's mouth, use your middle finger.Take the pill down your cat's tongue.
Step 7: Close your cat's mouth.
Close your cat's mouth gently with your finger.Hold your cat's mouth closed.If this doesn't happen after a few seconds, rub your cat's throat to encourage it to swallow.
Step 8: Use a doctor.
If you want to avoid putting your fingers in your cat's mouth, ask your doctor if they can give you a pill-giver.This device uses a soft nozzle to plunge the pill toward the back of your cat's mouth, and can be used in the same way you would administer liquid medication.After putting a pill in your cat's mouth, encourage it to swallow it.
Step 9: The three treat trick is used.
Purchase cat treats that are soft enough to be molded around a pill.Feed your cat a treat with a pill hidden inside it, then give it one plain treat.If you have a third treat ready at the same time, your cat will eat the second treat quickly to get to the third.
Step 10: You can ask your doctor to divide the pills.
If your cat won't swallow full size pills, ask your vet if cutting them into smaller pieces is an option.To evenly divide the Gabapentin pills into smaller pill fragments, use a pill cutter.A small amount of canned food can have pill fragments in it.
Step 11: Look for side effects.
Mild sedation and Ataxia are the most common side effects of giving Gabapentin to cats.Control of bodily movements is lost.If you are worried that your cat's symptoms may be too severe, call your vet.Your cat is at risk for injury.Your vet will be able to determine if your cat's cancer, cancer treatments, or other medications are causing side effects.Poor coordination is a common side effect and will improve after a few days.
Step 12: Take a look at your cat's pain level.
If your cat is on Gabapentin, you should keep an eye on it.If your pet is experiencing intense pain as a result of its cancer or cancer treatment, it may need a more intense Pain Reliever.A strong drug.If your cat doesn't get better after a few days on Gabapentin, call your vet.
Step 13: If necessary, stop giving the medication slowly.
Do not give your cat Gabapentin for two to three weeks if you want to stop.In some cases, stopping the medication abruptly can cause a seizure.If your cat is on a higher dose of Gabapentin, it's a good idea to ask your vet if you should switch to a lower dose or administer it less frequently.Every 12 hours, instead of once a day.
Step 14: Understand your cat's pain.
If your cat is suffering from cancer, it may experience pain as well as the treatments for it.You should tell your vet about the treatments.Factors that may affect the level of pain that your cat experiences include its age, stage of the disease, and its personal pain tolerance.While assessing your pet's comfort level can be a difficult task, there are many probable indicators of pain such as: Decrease in energy Reclusiveness Reduced appetite Negative reaction to touch Increased vocalizationIs it whining or hissing?
Step 15: You should consult your doctor.
Your vet will tell you if Gabapentin is a good pain relief option for your cat during cancer treatment, taking into account its other symptoms and other medications.The drug can be used to treat chronic pain, control seizures, and ease nerve associated pains.Tell your vet if your pet is getting antacids or narcotics for pain.If your pet suffers from kidney impairment.The advantage of Gabapentin is that it can be used with other pain relief drugs.
Step 16: Make sure you get a compounded form of the drug.
Gabapentin is not approved by the FDA for use in pets.The human version of this medication is not safe for pets because it contains a harmful substance.Make sure to get Gabapentin in a form that is compounded for cats before administering it.Do not give Gabapentin to your cat if it has not been approved and prescribed by your vet.