INFLUENCE OF FEEDING STATE ON THE SEDATIVE, CARDIOVASCULAR AND GLYCEMIC RESPONSES TO GABAPENTIN AND PREGABALIN IN CATS

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of feeding state (fasted vs. postprandial) on the sedative, cardiovascular and glycemic responses associated with oral administration of gabapentin and pregabalin in cats. In a prospective, randomized, blinded crossover design, seventeen healthy cats were allocated to a gabapentin group (100 mg/cat; n = 9) or a pregabalin group (25 mg/cat; n = 8). Within each group, the animals underwent two experimental protocols (fasted or immediately after food intake). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), blood glucose and sedation scores (FMSS) were assessed from baseline (T0) to 180 minutes (T4). Sedation increased significantly from T3 onward in the gabapentin group (p ≤ 0.003) and from T2/T3 onward in the pregabalin group (p ≤ 0.01), with no differences between feeding conditions at any time point. In the pregabalin group, HR was significantly lower in fed animal at T2 (141.8 ± 18.19 vs. 154.8 ± 18.55 bpm; p = 0.04). SBP and blood glucose remained stable in the gabapentin group, whereas pregabalin reduced SBP only in the fasted state. In conclusion, postprandial administration of these drugs does not compromise sedation or induce hemodynamic instability, making it a viable alternative to facilitate handling of cats.