I was wondering if long term pain management with Buprenorphine for an arthritic senior cat (13 yrs) will cause physical dependency to the opiate medication? I have read up on what type of opiate it is and its uses and I understand that it’s well tolerated in cats. I can see that it helps her.
However, I’m thinking about long term treatment of her pain and am unsure if this will cause my cat to become addicted to the medication.
There is not a straightforward explanation about the potential addictive qualities as it relates to cats I’ve been able to find aside from brief and vague mentions that it’s possible. Either it’s explained that cats tolerate it well, but avoids addressing the addiction issue or its pet owners who get very emotional about synthetic medications and seem to demonize its use in cats. Neither of these is helpful in what I’m trying to learn about the drug. Can anybody help me out, how safe is it long term?
However, I’m thinking about long term treatment of her pain and am unsure if this will cause my cat to become addicted to the medication.
There is not a straightforward explanation about the potential addictive qualities as it relates to cats I’ve been able to find aside from brief and vague mentions that it’s possible. Either it’s explained that cats tolerate it well, but avoids addressing the addiction issue or its pet owners who get very emotional about synthetic medications and seem to demonize its use in cats. Neither of these is helpful in what I’m trying to learn about the drug. Can anybody help me out, how safe is it long term?