Sedation?

mmin

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i have an upcoming vet appointment with a cat only vet for an ultrasound/xray for my cat's panting after very short play.

my vet has given me a sedation pill (gabapentin 100mg) to give to my cat 2 hours before the appointment. she also mentioned that if he is struggling during the appointment, that they might have to give further sedation. i'm just worried as i've read about the bad effects of sedation and was wondering if this was alright?

when the vet saw him before, he was the ultimate angel though, cuddling up to her and all.
 

LTS3

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Gabepetin is usually enough. The effect can last for a few hours so don't be alarmed if you are your cat stumbling around afterwards. Use a Pill Pocket to get the pill into the cat. If you only have one pill, I would risk opening the pill and sprinkling the contents into food and not have the cat eat it.

Panting after playtime is normal. The heart gets pumping fast and breath may be short. It happens to people too. It takes a few minutes of panting and rest to get the heart rate back down to a normal level. A thorough work up is a good idea to rule out any potential health issue :agree:
 

denice

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My rainbow bridge kitty had IBD which meant he had multiple ultrasounds over his lifetime. He did fine with no sedation, he was a very laid back easy going cat. Hopefully no more sedation will be necessary. They do have to be still for it though and they are in an uncomfortable position for it.
 

kmoulus

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My cat takes 100 mg gabapentin before vet visits, including for regular ultrasounds at the cardiologist. She has always been a total hellion at the vet, biting and scratching. When she only had HCM, the techs would just restrain her as best they could. But now Speedy has CHF and the doctors are very worried about stressing her heart so for her own safety and theirs, she takes the gaba. It is very common, very safe and 100 mg seems to be a standard dose.

I'm not sure why a sweet cat would need gaba. Perhaps they want to be sure your cat is not nervous and his heart is not racing, so they can get a good look at his normal heart function. If he is an angel at the et, you could ask them if the sedative is really necessary.

You definitely have to give it 2 hours before a visit, with Speedy it takes that long to kick in. And it is pretty strong, you'll notice a pronounced effect. When Speedy is high on gaba she can't walk straight, can't jump or balance well, eats a LOT, gets food and water on herself, etc. I always stay home with her because I am afraid she will fall and hurt herself. Luckily she mostly sleeps for the next 8-12 hours.

However, nowadays I break open the capsule and give her only 50-75 mg. Speedy is now 18 years old, very skinny (about 6 lbs) and becoming frail, and the gaba hits her much harder than it used to and takes longer to clear the effects. But if your cat is youngish and generally healthy, you should be fine. If you are nervous, talk to the vet.

BTW, this photo is Speedy after she had her gaba. She still hates the cardiologist so much that she needed two handlers and three towels.
eye of hate.jpg
 

LTS3

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If you only have one pill, I would risk opening the pill and sprinkling the contents into food and not have the cat eat it.

Correction: That should be "If you only have one pill, I wouldn't risk opening the pill and sprinkling the contents into food and not have the cat eat it". I hate tapping on a tablet :rolleyes:
 

fionasmom

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So here is my story about the ultrasound and sedation. All of my dogs, GSDs, have been very manageable about ultrasounds and no one was sedated. However, Jamie, my 2 year old orange boy who is completely sweet and lovable freaked out. The vet was sure that it could be done without sedation but called me and asked for permission to sedate. I had not been given gaba to try before hand. I did need the results of the ultrasound so went ahead and allowed it and he was fine. I have never had a complication from sedation or anesthesia on any animal in my life although in the case of the latter I have used specialists from time to time. Funny...my big GSD was in a much more uncomfortable position having his hips xrayed than Jamie would have been with his ultrasound, but Jamie hit the ceiling and cost mommy another C note in the end.
 

Faikey

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I actually take gabapentin haha. But I discourage chopping the pill, it completely looses efficiency very quickly when cut up. If cut you have to give it to the cat quickly. Its affective and works to calm a kitty down. It helps my nerve significantly as well! It's pretty much the safe go to medication for anxiety or nerve problems. Like trazadone is given to dogs at amounts that humans are prescribed for the same reason.
 

kmoulus

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I have to take Speedy to the ver on Monday, she is not doing very well. I am reluctant to give her the full dose because she is so old and frail but my vet just texted me "100mg is considered safe for any cat over 5 lbs."
 
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mmin

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I have to take Speedy to the ver on Monday, she is not doing very well. I am reluctant to give her the full dose because she is so old and frail but my vet just texted me "100mg is considered safe for any cat over 5 lbs."
I hope everything goes well at the vets for Speedy! :hugs:
 

kmoulus

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Speedy is very sensitive to gabapentin. I gave her 25 mg of liquid gaba two hours before her appointment. She was not fully sedated but it took the edge ff enough so that they could examine her. s usual, Speedy did not get the full sedative effect until about 5 hours after the dose. And, as usual, she is having a hard time recovering. Eighteen hours later she is still really out of it. What's unusual is she is not eating, usually she eats a lot while she's high on this stuff.
 
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