Gabapentin before Vet Visit

[kmbishop111]

My Roo is hyper sensitive going to the Vet. He has an appt Wed for a GI Panel 2 w spec fPl test. He has to fast for 12 hrs prior to this test.

He normally takes .3 mL BID for Arthritis, so I have it on hand. I plan on dosing him a cpl hours before visit. Im just wondering if it will be super strong on an empty stomach or have any effect on the test?

Last time I did this before an Ultrasound, as the Vet and I discussed it had a undesirable effect regarding the Ultrasound in that food was not out of the small intestine due to Gabapentin slowing down digestive rate so we were unable to see wnat was needing to be seen.

The Tech today assured me it would be no problem, but wanted to get some opinions here as I definitely dont want a repeat of what happened last time on a $400 test.

 

[fionasmom]

I think you should be fine if you fast him very carefully. That is really hard to do because we want to give them a little something but just be meticulous with the fasting.

 

[neely]

Last time I did this before an Ultrasound, as the Vet and I discussed it had a undesirable effect regarding the Ultrasound in that food was not out of the small intestine due to Gabapentin slowing down digestive rate so we were unable to see wnat was needing to be seen. The Tech today assured me it would be no problem

If it were me I would double check with your vet and mention what the tech told you about it not being a problem. I would most likely defer to what your vet tells you since he or she knows your cat's medical history. Good luck and we'll be keeping our fingers crossed for Roo and you.

 

[WMM201]

I agree with neely . My cat had to get an ultrasound about 1.5 years ago for suspected pancreatitis, and because she had been sick and going to the vet frequently, her usual sweet nature was worn out. So my primary vet told me to give her sedation doses of gabapentin (14 hrs before her appointment, then 2 hrs before). They said it would be fine, and the ultrasound was apparently problem free. But every ultrasound specialist is different, so definitely check. The visiting internal medicine vet who did my cat's ultrasound said, "wow, why aren't all kitties so compliant? Also, why are her pupils so big?" The tech said, "that's because she's high on the good stuff."

 

[maggie101]

Me too. I would worry about mixing drugs

 

[kmbishop111]

Me too. I would worry about mixing drugs

Oh no, not going to be mixing drugs. Only Gabapentin to calm him for the Vet visit and blood draw. Otherwise it may involve sedation as hes really not fond of the Vet.

 

[maggie101]

When I took my cat to the vet,he had music going,not very loud,that really calmed her down. She used to trimmer

 

[maggie101]

Me too. I guess use a flash light. I have read mixed reviews about it working or not