Abstract
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral gabapentin for perioperative pain control in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Ten female dogs were randomly assigned into two groups, and standard OVH was performed following anaesthesia with propofol injection (4 mg/kg). The treatment group was premedicated with 20 mg/kg oral gabapentin 8 hours before anaesthesia induction, while control dogs were administered a placebo. Adverse events associated with gabapentin were noted as they occurred. Changes in physiological and cardiopulmonary parameters were determined at 10-minutes intervals until recovery from anaesthesia. Pain severity was assessed using GCMPS-SF pain scales upon recovery from anaesthesia (time = 0) and at 12-hours intervals over 48 hours by independent observers. Physiological parameters and GCMPS-SF scores were compared using ANOVA. Diarrhoea (1/5) and swollen salivary glands (1/5) were the only adverse events associated with gabapentin administration. The rectal temperature, heart rate and pulse rate were not significantly (p = 0.47) different between the two groups. The postoperative pain score as well as respiratory rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in gabapentin group. Premedication with gabapentin is safe and decreased postoperative pain scores in dogs presented for elective neutering.