Cats that get stressed when visiting the veterinary practice: can gabapentin help improve their welfare?

Abstract

PICO question In cats which are stressed as a consequence of veterinary interventions does gabapentin administration, compared with no gabapentin, result in lower levels of stress? Clinical bottom line There is moderate to good evidence to indicate that a single dose (100 mg) of oral gabapentin administered to cats might reduce signs of acute stress associated with veterinary visits. Two blinded, randomised, placebo controlled trials were reviewed, with consistency of direction of effect for the main outcome measure (Cat Stress Score) assessed.