Effect of gabapentin on blood pressure and sedation scores in healthy dogs

Objective To evaluate gabapentin’s effect on blood pressure and sedation scores in healthy dogs. It was hypothesized gabapentin administration would decrease blood pressure and increase sedation scores compared to placebo administration. Methods A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed from July 1, 2024, to July 30, 2025. Fifteen apparently healthy dogs presented for 3 paired (gabapentin and control) evaluations for a total of 6 visits. At each visit, dogs were administered either a 20-mg/kg oral dose of liquid gabapentin or an equivalent volume of placebo solution. Treatment order was randomized. Blood pressure was obtained 3 hours after each dog received treatment using the oscillometric technique. Sedation scores were collected prior to blood pressure measurement. Results The median diastolic blood pressure (78.67 mm Hg) and median mean arterial pressure (90.67 mm Hg) were significantly lower after gabapentin administration. Median systolic blood pressure (127.3 mm Hg) was not significantly different after gabapentin administration. Sedation score (4.0) was significantly higher after gabapentin. Conclusions Oral gabapentin administration caused increased diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, and sedation scores. Clinical Relevance Blood pressure measurements in patients receiving preappointment gabapentin should be interpreted with caution.