Data_Sheet_2_Efficacy of a Single Dose of Pregabalin on Signs of Anxiety in Cats During Transportation—A Pilot Study.PDF

Objectives: The aim of this clinical pilot study was to evaluate the dosage, efficacy, and clinical safety of a single oral dose of pregabalin in cats that experience fear and anxiety when placed into a carrier and transported by car.Methods: Thirteen client-owned cats were enrolled in a blinded, randomized, crossover study with three treatment days approximately 1 week apart. The cats were assigned to receive pregabalin oral solution at dosages of 5 and 10 mg/kg and placebo in a randomized order, one treatment per week. Treatment was administered ~90 min before placing the cat into a carrier and starting transportation. Efficacy was assessed by the owners using a categorical scale and, based on video recordings, by an external observer, both blinded to the treatment.Results: Owners assessed that cats given pregabalin displayed less vocalization, restlessness, and panting during transportation than did cats given placebo. Correlation between owners' and external observer's assessment of the overall treatment effect was good (0.63, p < 0.01), which confirms the owners' ability to observe reliably their own cat's behavior. Transient mild ataxia was the most common adverse event reported. The human commercial formulation used in this study was found difficult or very difficult to administer by 79% of the owners.Conclusions and Relevance: Based on results of this pilot study, a single oral dose of pregabalin was well tolerated and decreased signs of anxiety and fear associated with car transportation in cats, as evaluated by blinded owners and external observer. The use of pregabalin prior to traveling may improve cat welfare and compliance for transportation. Further studies are needed to investigate the use of oral pregabalin in cats to alleviate signs of anxiety and fear associated with transportation and sequelae, like veterinary visits, and to develop a more user-friendly formulation.

研究目标：本临床试点研究的目的是评估在将猫放入携带箱并乘车运输时经历恐惧和焦虑的猫口服单一剂量的普瑞巴林在剂量、疗效和临床安全性方面的表现。研究方法：招募了十三只由客户拥有的猫参与了一项盲法、随机、交叉试验，试验分为三个治疗日，相隔大约一周。猫被随机分配以5 mg/kg和10 mg/kg的剂量口服普瑞巴林溶液或安慰剂，每周一次治疗。治疗在将猫放入携带箱并开始运输前约90分钟进行。疗效通过主人的分类量表评估，并根据视频录像，由外部观察者进行评估，双方对治疗情况均保持盲态。研究结果：主人评估，接受普瑞巴林的猫在运输过程中的发声、不安和喘息比接受安慰剂的猫少。主人和外部观察者对整体治疗效果的评估之间具有良好的相关性（0.63，p < 0.01），这证实了主人能够可靠地观察自己猫的行为。最常见的不良事件是短暂的轻度共济失调。在本研究中使用的商业人用制剂，79%的主人认为难以或非常难以给药。结论与相关性：基于本试点研究结果，单次口服普瑞巴林具有良好的耐受性，并减少了与汽车运输相关的焦虑和恐惧症状，这一结果通过盲法主人和外部观察者的评估得到证实。在出行前使用普瑞巴林可能改善猫的福利和运输时的顺从性。需要进一步的研究来调查口服普瑞巴林在猫中的应用，以缓解与运输和后续事件（如兽医就诊）相关的焦虑和恐惧症状，并开发更易于使用的制剂。