Pabay - buprenorphine

[Pabs&Ro]

I wonder if anyone with experience of using buprenorphine can help please.

Pabay has been given buprenorphine and it is my first experience with this pain relief. The transformation in his demeanour and well being has been astoundingly good: from Friday night where I didn't think he would make it through the night to within 18 hours eating very well; physically strong and activity level increased by 90% at 24 hours. So my posting is to seek some insight into the impact of this drug from others who have used it.

Pabay on the various feline pain scores was: moderate pain: very unwell though (sickness for 24 hours). I think he has had another episode of pancreatitis (possible caused by an upset stomach) presenting moderate but not severe pain on the feline pain scores. My concern is that my assessment of his pain level is a massive underestimate. I have that concern because now he is on buprenorpine and he is pain free he is just another cat altogether: very active; eating very well (he has not eaten very well for years); jumping well. He is vastly better today than he has been for years even when his pancreatitis is "not present". Is this normal for a cat on buprenorphine: do cats usually demonstrate such a huge improvement?

Also I wonder for how long can a cat be kept on buprenorphine. Any insight would be welcome. Thank you

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Buprenorphine seems to be the best pain med for cats. I know of no time time for its use. The only bade side effect unless yu administer too much, is cost to you. It is relatively expensive. It is more affordable if you get the compounded oral stuff from a compounding pharmacy. Vets typically dispense the injectable buprenorphine which can also be used orally by squirting it in the cheek pouch, not down throat.

 

[Katherine&Ruby]

I'm so glad to hear that bupe works so well for Pabay! Larry is right, bupe is the best pain killing medicine for cats, especially those suffering from pain from pancreatitis and arthritis. It can be safely used long term as it does not affect the liver like other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories do, and is easy on the kidneys. Cost and administration of the meds (some cats don't like liquids and I don't think bupe tastes very good) are the only drawbacks. Some cats also get very zoned out on it if the dose is too high, but it sound like Pabay is tolerating it well.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

We've had cats that were on buprenorphine on a chronic basis or on intermittent long term use. It is very helpful for pancreatitis which is exceptionally painful as well as for shorter term pain management such as after dental extractions. I've used it routinely with my cats.

The biggest problem that I've seen here is that some vets don't like prescribing it. It's a narcotic. Since the opioid epidemic, buprenorphine has been repackaged as Suboxone which is being used to help with managing addiction. Some vets seem to think a caregiver may be drug seeking for themself or to sell the medication.