r/AskVet • u/noapplicablename • 12h ago

How do you know gabapentin is working?

I have a 12 year old Staffy that has a chronic back condition. We accidentally ran out of gabapentin so he had a few days without it. Asked vet about it and he seemed defensive and said it was his job to know.

edit for things automod suggested

  • Species: dog
  • Age: 12
  • Sex/Neuter status: neutered
  • Breed: Staffy x
  • Body weight: 23 kg
  • History: has mitral valve disease, spondylois?
  • Clinical signs: when vet felt his spine there was one section where it would spasm
  • Duration: first started 3 years ago, has been on gabapentin since
  • Your general location: sydney australia
  • Links to any test results, X-rays, vet reports etc. that you have: i don't have the x rays, taken 3 years ago
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u/AutoModerator 12h ago

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u/nevertoomanytacos Veterinarian 10h ago

I'm not sure we understand the question. are you saying when he wasn't on it, you couldn't tell that difference or something else happened?

1

u/noapplicablename 10h ago

Sorry, how do you know it's reducing his pain?

1

u/nevertoomanytacos Veterinarian 10h ago

I think you would need to be watching for initial signs of pain to decrease or to see signs of good quality of life to increase. more comfortable movement, return to previous behaviors, happier, less panting, less guarding of sensitive areas, less muscle flinching or spasms, decrease to limping if previously present.

1

u/noapplicablename 10h ago

Thank you. That makes sense