Comparative Study of the Physiological and Behavioral Effects of Gabapentin and Trazodone in Fractious Cats Comparative Study of the Physiological and Behavioral Effects of Gabapentin and Trazodone in Fractious Cats

Ameri Naini, Amir Reza; Arfaee, Farnoosh; Panahi, Negar

doi:10.32598/ARI.81.2.3635

Comparative Study of the Physiological and Behavioral Effects of Gabapentin and Trazodone in Fractious Cats Comparative Study of the Physiological and Behavioral Effects of Gabapentin and Trazodone in Fractious Cats

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, ‎Tehran, Iran‏.‏‎ ‎

² Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, SR.C., ‎Islamic Azad University, ‎Tehran, Iran‎

10.32598/ARI.81.2.3635

Abstract

Introduction: Fear-based aggression and anxiety in cats represent a significant clinical challenge, often complicating veterinary procedures and increasing stress levels during medical handling. Managing these behavioral responses is essential to ensure both animal welfare and the safety of handlers. Various pharmacological agents are utilized to mitigate these effects; however, selecting the most effective option remains a critical decision for clinicians. This study aims to compare the physiological and behavioral impacts of Gabapentin and Trazodone in aggressive cats, evaluating their efficacy through vital signs and multidimensional sedation scales to determine their suitability for reducing fear-induced stress.
Materials & Methods: The proportional effect of a single dose of gabapentin and trazodone on calming fear- and anxiety-induced aggression in cats was examined. Twenty-seven healthy, fractious DSH breed cats were randomly and double-blindly divided into three equal groups. The first group received a placebo as a control group. The second and third groups received gabapentin (22 mg kg–1) and trazodone (10 mg kg–1), respectively, in this study. Physiological factors (heart rate, respiration rate, systolic blood pressure, and rectal temperature) were measured after the cats were referred to the clinic. The stress level of the cats was also assessed, and sedation scores were calculated using the feline multiparametric sedation scale (FMSS).
Results: In the gabapentine group, the mean systolic blood pressure (14.05 mm Hg) and respiratory rate (26.78 breaths minute-1) were significantly lower than in the trazodone and control groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the heart rate and rectal temperature groups. The mean of all behavioral factors in the trazodone and gabapentin groups was lower than that of the control group; this difference was more significant between the gabapentin and control groups.
Conclusion: Gabapentin and trazodone administration before considering medical referral may help alleviate fear- and anxiety-induced aggression in cats. However, it’s important to note that while it showed greater effectiveness in reducing physiological signs of stress, sedation may not necessarily alleviate stress itself; it could merely mask its symptoms. Gabapentin (22 mg kg–1) demonstrated better efficacy in sedative effects when evaluated across various behavioral factors.

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