Avaliação radiográfica, eletrocardiográfica e ecocardiográfica de câmaras cardíacas direitas em gatos clinicamente saudáveis sob efeito de Gabapentina

Abstract

In cardiovascular evaluation, the right cardiac chambers are often underassessed due to a lack of literature, especially regarding the feline species. Beyond anatomical challenges, the behavior of cats during physical and imaging exams requiring restraint can be a limitation for veterinarians and for owner compliance with procedures. Some drugs are used to minimize stress in these patients—among them, gabapentin. The aim of this study is to test the dose of 30 mg/kg in clinically healthy cats aged 6 months to 10 years and its influence on the function of the right cardiac chambers. A total of 49 patients were evaluated, with 45 selected. The animals were divided into age groups of 15 cats each: between 6 months and 1 year (G1), between 1 and 6 years (G2), and between 7 and 10 years (G3). The animals were clinically and laboratorially assessed, and imaging exams (radiography, electrocardiogram, echocardiography) were performed without any medication, with these values considered as baseline. Seven days later, before reevaluation, a tablet containing either a placebo or gabapentin (at a dose of 30 mg/kg) was administered in a randomized, double-blind modeling. Evaluations were repeated 1 hour and 30 seconds after medication administration. Statistical differences were observed between groups, times, or treatment types for the following variables: heart rate, P wave amplitude, right atrium diameter, FAC, and TAPSE (p<0.05). However, when the TAPSE variable was normalized with the aortic diameter, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. Regarding radiography, which was assessed by four evaluators with different levels of training, the measurement of VHS and 3/5-2/5 (the latter favoring right-side evaluation) showed good inter-evaluator agreement and repeatability. Gabapentin at a dose of 30 mg/kg proved to be a good choice for cats needing sedation for cardiological evaluation, particularly for improved assessment of the right cardiac chambers. There were few significant effects across all age groups assessed. The 3/5-2/5 evaluation showed an average of 0.65, with few outliers and a good standard of normality, suggesting it can be used for assessing the right side of the cardiac silhouette, as in dogs.