Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs of metronidazole nerve damage in 26 dogs and recovery
By Tauro, A et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2018·Fitzpatrick Referrals Godalming, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity in 26 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old dog was brought in showing signs of neurological issues after being treated with metronidazole, a common medication for infections. The dog had been on the medication for about 35 days, and once the vet stopped the treatment, the symptoms improved within a few days. In total, 26 dogs experienced similar neurotoxic effects from metronidazole, often at lower doses than expected. This highlights the need for careful monitoring when using this medication, especially at higher doses.
People also search for: dog neurological problems after metronidazole · metronidazole side effects in dogs · dog treatment for metronidazole toxicity
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metronidazole is an antibacterial, antiprotozoal and anthelmintic medication commonly used in veterinary medicine. We describe cases of neurotoxicity associated with the drug's administration. METHODS: Medical records between 2004 and 2017 from four veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were the presence of neurological signs compatible with metronidazole toxicity, clinical history supporting recent metronidazole therapy and resolution of clinical signs upon discontinuation of metronidazole administration. RESULTS: A total of 26 dogs were identified with clinical signs supporting a diagnosis of metronidazole toxicity. Median age at presentation was 7.2 years (range, 0.1-12 years); median duration of treatment was 35 days (range, 5-180 days); median treatment dosage was 21 mg/kg BID (range, 13-56 mg/kg every 12 h); median resolution of the clinical signs upon discontinuation of metronidazole was 3 days (range, 1-26 days). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed in 19 cases and only one dog had brain lesions affecting the dentate nuclei, which resembled the MRI appearance of this disease in humans. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence of neurotoxicity in dogs at much lower doses than previously reported and we suggest caution when administering metronidazole at doses > 40 mg/kg every 24 h, regardless of the duration of the treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30478843/