Gabapentin for the treatment of neuropathic pain in a pregnant horse.

This research paper presents a case where a pregnant horse suffering from severe neuropathic pain following a colic surgery was successfully treated with gabapentin, leading to reduced signs of pain. This suggests gabapentin as a potentially safe and effective medication for similar cases in horses.

Background

• The study involved a 24-year-old pregnant Belgian draft horse that weighed 732 kg (about 1,610 lbs).
• The horse developed neuropathy and signs of severe pain following a colic surgery which was performed due to compression in the small and large intestines. The compression was caused by the large fetus the horse was carrying.
• The horse started showing signs of femoral neuropathy which affected its left hind limb within 36 hours after the surgery.
• Traditional treatments were unable to alleviate the horse’s pain and no abnormalities were observed in her gastrointestinal tract or muscles, leading to a diagnosis of neuropathic pain.

Treatment and Results

• The researchers decided to treat the horse with gabapentin, giving her 2.5 mg/kg (or around 1.1 mg/lb) orally twice a day.
• Soon after the start of the treatment, the horse appeared comfortable, and showed no signs of pain.
• The treatment was continued for 6 days, and the dosage decreased progressively over this period.
• After the treatment, the horse was discharged and subsequently delivered a healthy foal.

Conclusion

• The successful treatment of the horse’s neuropathic pain with gabapentin points to the drug as a potential option for treating similar conditions in horses.
• This research suggests that gabapentin may be a safe, effective and economical treatment for neuropathic pain in horses.