Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neurological problems in two cats caused by metronidazole toxicity
By Caylor, K B & Cassimatis, M K·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2001·All Pets Veterinary Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Metronidazole neurotoxicosis in two cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two cats were brought in for neurological problems believed to be caused by metronidazole, a medication they were taking. One cat had been on a high dose for 9 weeks and started having seizures after the dose was increased. The other cat had been on a lower dose for 6 months and suddenly showed signs of unsteady walking and confusion. Fortunately, both cats improved within days after stopping the medication and receiving supportive care.
People also search for: cat seizures from medication · metronidazole toxicity in cats · cat neurological problems treatment
Abstract
Two cats were presented for neurological dysfunction from suspected metronidazole toxicity. One cat was receiving 111 mg/kg body weight per day of metronidazole for 9 weeks. After 9 weeks, the dose was increased to 222 mg/kg body weight per day, and 2 days later the cat began to experience progressive neurological signs that culminated in generalized seizures. The second cat was receiving metronidazole at a total dose of 58 mg/kg body weight per day for 6 months. This cat experienced acute onset of ataxia and alteration in mentation. Laboratory evaluations in both cases were without significant findings. The neurological signs in both cats resolved within days of initiating supportive therapy and withdrawal of the drug. This report describes the two cases and discusses the etiology of metronidazole neurotoxicosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11361118/