In this article on our site we will talk about a medicine with which we must be especially careful, diazepam. This precaution is due to its effects on the central nervous system. The benefits of this action depend on a prescription and a dosage strictly controlled by the veterinarian. Therefore, we should never give diazepam to cats on our own.
In this article we review the characteristics of use of this medicine, its contraindications and its adverse effects. So if you're thinking about giving diazepam to a cat, read carefully before you do.
What is diazepam?
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine noted for its hypnotic and sedative propertiesIt acts as a central nervous system depressant and has been used in medicine since the 1950s. Its effect is due to the fact that it enhances the action of certain neurotransmitters and depresses transmission between certain CNS neurons. This effect will be greater or less depending on the dose administered. For all these reasons, it will be beneficial in some clinical situations. Next, we review the most common uses of diazepam for cats.
What is diazepam for cats for?
Diazepam has calming or anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic effects at the musculoskeletal level and muscle relaxants. Its uses include its role as a sedative This allows it to be included as one of the drugs in the premedication and induction of anesthesia, that is, it is part of the medical protocol that is followed before the animal is completely anesthetized in order to undergo any intervention. This use facilitates the management of anesthesia during the course of the operation and improves subsequent recovery.
Diazepam is also used for cats when the animal has convulsions or is hyperexcited. Another use is as orexigenic, that is, appetite stimulant in weak and anorectic cats. On some occasions, it could also be used to treat behavioral problems, such as aggression or urine marking. Of course, always with the prescription of the veterinarian.
Dosage of diazepam for cats
Due to its uses, diazepam is often administered by the veterinarian in injectable format It is often used as a treatment in an emergency and, once the cat is stabilized, it is switched to another type of oral medication that the caregiver can continue to give at home. Diazepam is usually limited to short courses and may be given by your vet for intravenous, intramuscular, or rectal
The dosage will depend on the reason for the prescription. In other words, this will vary depending on what is intended to be treated. Convulsions are not the same as anesthetizing the cat or stimulating its appetite. It also depends on the route of administration, on whether a single dose is prescribed, as in premedication, or several, on the evolution and weight of the animal, etc.
Likewise, there is no fixed duration for its use, rather it will depend on each particular case with all the factors involved that we have mentioned. Therefore, we should never administer diazepam to our cat on our own. It can only be prescribed by the veterinarian, who will also have to control the evolution of the animal and schedule its withdrawal in the case of prolonged treatments, since it is a drug that can create dependency. For this reason, in addition, you cannot stop giving abruptly.
Because of all of the above, if you are considering administering diazepam to put cats to sleep because your feline is very nervous, active or you need to calm him down for whatever reason, this is not a good idea. In any of these cases, it is best to go to the veterinary clinic so that a professional can determine what is happening to your cat. In addition, in this video you will find different ways to relax a cat, as long as it does not have any he alth problems:
Contraindications of diazepam for cats
Of course, diazepam should not be administered to a cat that has previously shown a hypersensitivity reaction to this substance or is suspected of being allergic. In addition, due to the mode of action of diazepam, great care must be taken with its joint administration with other drugs. For this reason, if our cat is receiving any medication and the veterinarian does not know it, we must notify him to avoid interactions that could alter the metabolism or the effectiveness of the drug or be dangerous.
On the other hand, diazepam cannot be given for a long time without strict veterinary control. Remember that in these cases dependency may occur. In addition, caution should be exercised when administering diazepam to cats:
- Old.
- Extremely debilitated, in shock, or in a coma.
- With kidney or liver damage.
- Dehydrated or anemic.
- In a situation of respiratory depression.
- Obesity.
- With glaucoma.
- Pregnant or lactating.
In the latter case, if the veterinarian decides to use it, the kittens must be closely monitored to detect early any sign of sedation that could interfere with normal milk suction.
Side Effects of Diazepam for Cats
Among the adverse effects of diazepam in cats, the following stand out:
- Drowsiness.
- Miscoordination.
- Alterations in behavior, such as aggressiveness or hyperarousal.
- Liver damage, which will manifest itself with depression, vomiting, anorexia and jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Increased appetite, which is why it is sometimes prescribed for this purpose.
In these cases, the veterinarian will have to assess the modification of the treatment. Any other effects that seem to us to be associated with diazepam should also be reported to the vet. Also, if diazepam is given intravenously too quickly, it can cause low blood pressure, blood clots, and heart problems.
Diazepam overdose in cats
Diazepam for cats administered at higher than recommended doses can cause serious side effects, including severe central nervous system depression, manifested by disorientation, decreased reflexes, or coma. This picture is aggravated if the cat is consuming other drugs with action on the CNS. Any of these signs is a reason for urgent consultation with the veterinarian, who will have to prescribe a support treatment. In some cats, a drop in blood pressure and cardiorespiratory depression is also detected.
