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A comparative study between integrative practices and preappointement gabapentin on serum cortisol in cats
Nielle Versteg1, Tabata Pereira Dias2, Vitória Ramos de Freitas2
1Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Veterinary department, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. nielle.versteg@gmail.com.
Veterinary Research Communications
|August 19, 2024
Summary
Gabapentin (GA) and integrative practices (IP) significantly reduced feline stress, as indicated by lower serum cortisol levels in cats during veterinary visits. These methods offer effective strategies for managing feline patient anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Behavior
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Clinical appointments induce significant stress in feline patients, potentially deterring them from receiving necessary veterinary care.
- Elevated stress levels in cats are often associated with physiological markers, such as serum cortisol, impacting their overall well-being and response to treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of oral gabapentin (GA) and integrative practices (IP) in mitigating stress in feline patients during clinical examinations.
- To assess changes in serum cortisol levels as a biomarker for stress reduction in cats receiving GA and IP interventions.
Main Methods:
- A study involving twenty feline patients, each undergoing three clinical appointments separated by one week.
- Treatments administered included a placebo (PL), oral gabapentin (GA), and integrative practices (IP) comprising music therapy, pheromone therapy, and chromotherapy.
- Serum cortisol levels were measured before and after interventions, with GA and PL given pre-transport and IP applied shortly before clinical care.
Main Results:
- Serum cortisol levels varied significantly across treatments, with the placebo group exhibiting the highest mean concentration (7.6 µg/dL).
- Cats receiving gabapentin (GA) showed lower mean cortisol levels (4.9 µg/dL), while those undergoing integrative practices (IP) had the lowest mean levels (4.1 µg/dL).
- Statistical analysis confirmed significant reductions in cortisol levels for GA (p=0.03) and IP (p=0.005) compared to the placebo group.
Conclusions:
- Both oral gabapentin (GA) and integrative practices (IP) are effective in reducing physiological stress markers, specifically serum cortisol, in feline patients during veterinary visits.
- These findings suggest that GA and IP are practical and applicable methods for enhancing the clinical experience and reducing stress for feline patients.
