What is Gabapentin used for?

Gabapentin is indicated for: adjunct analgesic, Analgesia (postoperative and chronic neuropathic pain), Chronic musculoskeletal pain, chronic pain, chronic pain adjunct, Feline hyperesthesia syndrome, neoplasia pain, Neuropathic, Neuropathic pain, possible sedation at higher doses, Post-operative pain adjunct (orthopedic), Pre-visit anxiolysis, Seizure management adjunct, self-mutilation.

Which species have cited Gabapentin dosing data?

Gabapentin dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 10 species: African Grey Parrot, African Pygmy Hedgehog, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic), Ferret, Guinea Pig, Prairie Dog, Rabbit (Domestic), Sugar Glider.

Is Gabapentin a controlled substance?

Gabapentin is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Gabapentin

US brand names:Neurontin

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Gabapentin is dosed at 5–10 mg/kg PO q24h in bearded dragons, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Analgesic

Routes

Indications

adjunct analgesic Analgesia (postoperative and chronic neuropathic pain)Chronic musculoskeletal painchronic painchronic pain adjunct

Mechanism of Action

Binds to alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, modulating neurotransmitter release. Reduces central sensitization.

Side effects & warnings

Sedation common, especially initially. Some oral solutions contain xylitol (toxic to dogs). Taper to discontinue (do not stop abruptly). Adjust dose in renal impairment.

Evidence levels across 15 dose rules

Extrapolated×2Anecdotal×3Moderate×5Weak×4Strong×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 8 published sources

· Carpenter 6e
· Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
· ExoticRx 2026 (hedgehog dosing guide)
· Johnson-Delaney CA. Personal observation; 2020. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.710 (2026-08-01).
· KuKanich B. Outpatient oral analgesics in dogs and cats beyond nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an evidence-based approach. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43:1109-1125. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.04.007 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.597 (2026-08-01).
· Mills PO, Tansey CO, Genzer SC, et al. Pharmacokinetic profiles of gabapentin after oral and subcutaneous administration in black-tailed prairie dogs. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2020;59:305-309. doi:10.30802/aalas-jaalas-19-000150 — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.791 (2026-08-01).
· Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
· Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.596 (2026-08-01).

Sample dosing (2 of 15 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 10 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Cat (Domestic)	PO	5–10 mg/kg	q8-12h	Strong	KuKanich B. Outpatient oral analgesics in dogs and cats beyond nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an evidence-based approach. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43:1109-1125. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.04.007 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.597 (2026-08-01).
Dog (Domestic)	PO	10–20 mg/kg	once	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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