Risks of Buprenorphine in treatment of arthritis

[Colorado Cat Dad]

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?

 

[cejhome]

Our previous Kitty, Nilla fractured a fang and had to get it taken out. Our regular vet felt it needed a dental specialist (fangs have very, very long roots - if a vet is not experienced and careful they can actually fracture the jaw). Their schedule was a month out and poor Nilla was in pain. We had her on buprenorphine for that whole time. She did very well - ate well (wet food only and baby food - she hated wet food, but would eat it if I topped with baby food), acted almost normal. She didn't have any issues afterwards when we stopped the buprenorphine. I do not remember tapering it, I believe we simply stopped after the tooth extraction was done and the recovery period was done enough so that she wouldn't be uncomfortable. Same vet - our kitty before that had stomatitis and had to have most of her teeth pulled. Buph again for a couple weeks after the extractions, no issues.

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. Ask your vet about Solensia.
Zoetis

There is never much discussed about feline addiction because humans control what they receive.But, I agree with you, it is something that should be considered for the well being of the cat.

 

[FeebysOwner]

In addition to Solensia, there is also Adequan. Both are injectable pain blockers for arthritis that work in different ways, but the latter also contains a joint support supplement.
Solensia (frunevetmab injection) for Cats - Drugs.com
Adequan (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan) For Cats - Cat-World

 

[Colorado Cat Dad]

She didn't have any issues afterwards when we stopped the Buprenorphine. I do not remember tapering it, I believe we simply stopped after the tooth extraction was done and the recovery period was done enough so that she wouldn't be uncomfortable.

Thank you for your informative answer, I find it very helpful and a lot of what you explained is reassuring to say the least. I've been reticent to give her the drug unless it seems like she's having a particularly bad day. Given what you told me, I feel more confident that the current way I'm giving her the medicine has a low risk of developing dependency which is one of concerns. So thank you!

However, I want to discern between the risk of addiction of Buprenorphine when used as a permanent form of pain management versus it being used for something acute that passes, thus allowing you to discontinue use of the pain killer.

I'm asking because I've read that the rate of addiction for cats is much lower than compared to humans and that their system deals with it well. I am still learning about taking care of an older cat and I understand that cats of all ages metabolize medications differently than humans in small but important ways. Often the ways this happens is anti-intuitive so I was wondering if the drug should be used as daily pain management maintenance.

My knowledge the pharmacology of the drug suggest no, although I'm unsure if the opiate will inhibit Rosie's ability to produce endorphins after a longer period of time. I just don't want to do that to my cat. I also don't want her to suffer. I've found the users on this site to be incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and true cat lovers. I appreciate the help!

 

[Colorado Cat Dad]

In addition to Solensia, there is also Adequan. Both are injectable pain blockers for arthritis that work in different ways, but the latter also contains a joint support supplement.
Solensia (frunevetmab injection) for Cats - Drugs.com
Adequan (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan) For Cats - Cat-World

Thank you, I will ask my vet about these treatments

 

[FeebysOwner]

Feeby (18+ yo) has gotten 5 monthly injections of Solensia - after the 2nd one she stopped limping and moves around more easily. I didn't go with Adequan because there is a series of injections done before it is tapered off to once a month like Solensia.

If you would choose to go with Solensia, you can always add a joint supplement like Cosequin or Dasuquin.

 

[Tobermory]

I’m sorry that I can’t help you with the question about buprenorphine. I’ll ask my vet when I see him on 18-year-old Iris’s next visit. Her arthritis is quite bad, and the vet has her on 150 mg. of gabapentin a day, 50 mg. in the morning and 100 mg. in her evening meal. She also gets Cosequin.

She just had her first Solensia shot a week ago so I haven’t seen any change yet. But my vet says he’s seen positive results with the other kitties he’s treated so I’m hopeful it will help Iris. It’s a pricey shot at $80 but if it helps, we’ll keep it up!