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Transdermal Gabapentin skin reaction

jelouw

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Mar 12, 2024
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Hello Sphynxlair community,

I would love some advice on how to treat a skin reaction due to gabapentin transdermal gel application.

My boy and girl needed to be predosed for their annual HCM scans (there’s a bit of vet anxiety, especially for my boy) and now the poor babies’ skin is hardened, reddened and flaking on their head, neck and ears where the gel was applied.

I know the skin will flake off entirely eventually (hopefully) and make way for the fresh new skin… But how can I help them with the process and nourish their skin better and make sure they recover from this irritation?

I know coconut oil actually strips the skin of moisture, so what can I use? That’s safe for them and their licky loves?

Please and thanks for any tried and true remedies!

Jana, Leonibus & Lilith
 

Catzzzmeow

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I would give your vet a quick call and perhaps they will let you send them the pics. Normally with any reaction it’s just a matter of time for it to correct itself unfortunately. I’d just worry about making it worse etc. Please update us if the vet does recommend something. I never heard of the gel before (you learn something new every day they say) Our vet prescribes the pill form. Hope scans come back clear :)


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Yoda mom

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@jelouw , awh... sharing my bengal could no have any transdermal meds to ears. she had same reaction with mirataz transdermal. agree with catzzzmeow response.

can you ask vet for pill form ? the vet can share tips for pilling as well as us. my girl was like pilling a badger and found a method that worked.

* you can ask vet if vetericyn spray (non toxic) many of us keep on hand would be beneficial to lightly dab on area . I use vetericyn spray wetted onto a swisspers small cosmetic round and put in on my girls ears a couple of times a day when she had a reaction to transdermal meds.
I got the vetericyn on line. some pets stores sell it too. my vet carries it but of course cost more there.

I personally would not use coconut oil as it can clog pores etc.

following for updates. hugs n head smooches.
 

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jelouw

Lairian
Joined
Mar 12, 2024
Messages
13
Points
24
I would give your vet a quick call and perhaps they will let you send them the pics. Normally with any reaction it’s just a matter of time for it to correct itself unfortunately. I’d just worry about making it worse etc. Please update us if the vet does recommend something. I never heard of the gel before (you learn something new every day they say) Our vet prescribes the pill form. Hope scans come back clear :)


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Thank you so much!
Will definitely try pill form next time, although we might need a combo for Leonibus as he didn’t really respond to the gabapentin and needed to be fully sedated

Will perhaps go with the spray recommended below, is it or something similar is available in my country (South Africa)

Scans came back clear, although my boi’s measurements are just above average but it hasn’t changed since the last scan a year before. Apparently it’s okay because he’s larger than average and was assured it is common for males to be in the higher average?


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jelouw

Lairian
Joined
Mar 12, 2024
Messages
13
Points
24
@jelouw , awh... sharing my bengal could no have any transdermal meds to ears. she had same reaction with mirataz transdermal. agree with catzzzmeow response.

can you ask vet for pill form ? the vet can share tips for pilling as well as us. my girl was like pilling a badger and found a method that worked.

* you can ask vet if vetericyn spray (non toxic) many of us keep on hand would be beneficial to lightly dab on area . I use vetericyn spray wetted onto a swisspers small cosmetic round and put in on my girls ears a couple of times a day when she had a reaction to transdermal meds.
I got the vetericyn on line. some pets stores sell it too. my vet carries it but of course cost more there.

I personally would not use coconut oil as it can clog pores etc.

following for updates. hugs n head smooches.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the time taken to type out advice for me! I’ll have a look to see if I can find this or something the same (I’m in South Africa)
Just want to help them feel comfortable asap.
I get eczema so I feel sooooo bad for what I know their skin must feel like right now.

I’ll definitely go the pill route next time!

Will post updates xx




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Yoda mom

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@jelouw , soo happy scans Clear! and no chhanges on your boys since last scan.
tagging @Catzzzmeow about the measurements just above average for males in larger males common?

hugs n head smooches! btw...Loved your introduction post and Pics!!! your avatar photo is precious too!
 

jelouw

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Joined
Mar 12, 2024
Messages
13
Points
24
@jelouw , soo happy scans Clear! and no chhanges on your boys since last scan.
tagging @Catzzzmeow about the measurements just above average for males in larger males common?

hugs n head smooches! btw...Loved your introduction post and Pics!!! your avatar photo is precious too!

Awwww, thank you!
It was time- long overdue…! Yet I still feel like a newbie on here.
Thank you for welcoming us so warmly!!!


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jelouw

Lairian
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Mar 12, 2024
Messages
13
Points
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Hello all!

Happy to report that their skin is back to beautiful for a while now. It’s almost also as if their skin is a sliiiiight shade lighter in the previously affected areas- a fresher layer But only visible to me really because I am, obviously, utterly obsessed with them!

It came right without much intervention; they peeled and then were right as rain!

Will be looking into capsules for future as to avoid this. If Churru is involved, there is hope that could work!

I have also ordered a tailor-made almond for their skin made with tallow, jojoba and vitamin E oil from a kind lady who runs her own tallow skincare shop. Lilith will appreciate this as her skin is so soft and sensitive, that it dries out a little around the neck.

Hope all is well and everyone’s babies are happy and healthy!


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Yoda mom

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@jelouw , keep us updated often. all paws are family. glad skin healing well.

** be sure to double check ingredients of the oil ( is it a human or pet product?) to make sure non toxic to cats if ingested. also, oils can clog pores , cause skin irritations, or digestive upset if ingested.

from a quick online search:

Jojoba oil is generally considered safe, non-toxic, and non-allergenic for cats, often used to treat dry skin or soothe irritation in hairless breeds like Sphynx. While rare, some cats may have sensitivities resulting in allergic reactions or rashes. It is recommended to use it sparingly and monitor for adverse reactions.


hugs n heada smooches
 
Last edited:

jelouw

Lairian
Joined
Mar 12, 2024
Messages
13
Points
24
@jelouw , keep us updated often. all paws are family. glad skin healing well.

** be sure to double check ingredients of the oil ( is it a human or pet product?) to make sure non toxic to cats if ingested. also, oils can clog pores , cause skin irritations, or digestive upset if ingested.

from a quick online search:

Jojoba oil is generally considered safe, non-toxic, and non-allergenic for cats, often used to treat dry skin or soothe irritation in hairless breeds like Sphynx. While rare, some cats may have sensitivities resulting in allergic reactions or rashes. It is recommended to use it sparingly and monitor for adverse reactions.


hugs n heada smooches

Thank you! The balm is going to be 100% Sphynx safe, only 3 ingredients, and it’s being made specially for them. The lady has done her research! Even ordered extra ingredients she doesn’t usually use to be sure. Some people go above and beyond!

Will spot test and monitor on my sensitive skinned girly. Really looking forward to help her! Hate seeing how itchy her neck skin gets, and she ends up making raw patches- even when her nails have been trimmed and made blunt.
Poor baby. Her skin is sooooooo soft!

Anyway,

Love and head smooches to all the raw chickens!


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