Pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of single-dose oral gabapentin in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

To assess the pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of a single administration of oral gabapentin in African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) at 2 different dosages. Adult cheetahs (n = 16) located at 3 different zoological institutions were prospectively enrolled to receive single doses of gabapentin administered at 2 different dosages (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg). Venipuncture was performed under behavioral restraint at predetermined time points over a 24-hour period using a sparse sampling model. Plasma concentrations of gabapentin were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. A modified domestic felid sedation scoring system was used to assess animals at each time point by 3 masked scorers, and sedation scores were compared between time points. Mean ± SE maximal plasma concentrations were 24.0 ± 12.8 μg/mL and 31.4 ± 8.57 μg/mL for the 10- and 20-mg/kg dosages, respectively. For both dosages, concentrations remained elevated at the final collection time point of 24 hours (2.39 ± 1.97 and 3.93 ± 3.09 μg/mL for 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Mild sedation was achieved for both doses up to 24 hours postadministration, with no significant differences between dosages. Gabapentin was well absorbed following oral administration, and concentrations remained elevated 24 hours postadministration. Gabapentin produces mild sedation at 10 or 20 mg/kg for up to 24 hours. Gabapentin given to cheetahs at these dosages is a useful tool for improving patient welfare due to its mild sedative effects over a clinically relevant time period.