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Names alone would have a person thinking Galliprant and Gabapentin are associated on some medical level.
However, they are different in what they do in the body.
Join us as we examine Galliprant vs. Gabapentin, their differing effects, what they do in combination, and some natural alternatives.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GALLIPRANT AND GABAPENTIN?
Galliprant is a prescription medication referred to as an NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It targets the EP4 receptor, which is the cause of canine osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. NSAIDs you may be familiar with are Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen; they are generally considered pain relievers.
Galliprant is often used alone post-surgery for short term pain relief, while Gabapentin is more often used to relieve chronic or long-term nerve pain.
Gabapentin is a prescription medication referred to as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog. GABA reduces the excitation of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, which plays a role in seizures and the transmission of pain signals. Gabapentin is also called Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise. It's also similar to another GABA-analog called Lyrica or pregabalin.
Gabapentin is also known as an anticonvulsant, also referred to as an anti-epileptic drug. In some cases, Gabapentin can be used to manage acute postoperative pain and sedation for dogs post-surgery.
WHICH IS BETTER AT TREATING ARTHRITIS PAIN FOR DOGS?
Galliprant targets the pain receptors associated with arthritis, while Gabapentin is used for neuropathic pain.
The Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, wrote Gabapentin might be beneficial within the treatment of inflammatory situations associated with ocular pain, including uveitis.
GABAPENTIN AND GALLIPRANT TOGETHER FOR DOGS
It is safe to give both medications at once. Galliprant is an anti-inflammatory medication for arthritis in dogs, safe and well-received.
Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication that can also help slow pain nerves from sending signals to the brain. In this way, it helps relieve pain.
Veterinarians can use Gabapentin combined with Galliprant to provide even better pain control from arthritis.
This union of medications is called multimodal pain relief and is a common practice in veterinary and human medicine. Using lower doses of multiple drugs can give better pain relief with lower risk of side effects.
GABAPENTIN VS. GALLIPRANT USAGE CHART
| Medical Usage | Anxiety | Treats Symptoms of Osteoarthritis |
Fever | Inflammation | Pain | Post-Surgery | Seizures | Long-Term Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabapentin | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Galliprant | X | X | X | X | X |
GABAPENTIN VS GALLIPRANT SIDE EFFECTS
| Side Effect | Loss of Appetite | Diarrhea | Lethargy | Possible Stool Changes | Vomiting | Wobbliness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabapentin | X | X | X | X | ||
| Galliprant | X | X | X | X | X |
GABAPENTIN AND GALLIPRANT ALTERNATIVES
CBD for dogs with pain may be an alternative to both medications, but further research is needed to know for sure. A study from the University of Białystok, stated that research has increased our understanding of CBD's medicinal potential for various disorders, particularly those linked to oxidative stress.
Conditions related to oxidative stress include asthma, chronic fatigue, and chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation due to oxidative stress potentially leads to several issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.
It's also worth considering cheaper alternatives to galliprant for dogs.
Companion Therapy Laser – Laser therapy is an alternative to Galliprant used to stimulate cell healing.
Supplementing – Supplements offer another alternative to Galliprant. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids with health and disease-related effects. They may reduce and alter the autoimmune inflammatory response by acting as precursors to lipid mediators of inflammation.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, both Gabapentin and Galliprant can have a positive impact on healing by treating pain safely and effectively. In osteoarthritis (OA), Galliprant may be a better option than other NSAIDS because it works very differently and avoids some of the serious long term side effects of other NSAIDs.
Gabapentin may be the right choice if your dog also suffers from seizures because in some cases it can be used to treat both conditions.
There is no cure for OA, but you can make an informed decision to help your dog have a better quality of life despite it.
You should always consult your veterinarian about changing medication or adding new supplements to your dog's diet.
