Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Why vets use metronidazole for diarrhea in dogs and cats
By Ng, J et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2025·Department of Internal Medicine, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Understanding the rationale for metronidazole use in dogs and cats.
Plain-English summary
A study found that veterinarians often prescribe metronidazole, an antibiotic, for dogs and cats not just to fight infections but also for other reasons. In fact, about 42% of the time, it was used for its anti-inflammatory effects, especially in pets with acute or chronic diarrhea. This means that if your pet has diarrhea, your vet might consider metronidazole not only for its antibacterial properties but also for its potential to help reduce inflammation. It's important to discuss any concerns with your veterinarian about the use of this medication for your pet's specific needs.
People also search for: dog diarrhea treatment · metronidazole for cats · why is my dog on metronidazole
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: It is currently unknown how often antibiotics (including metronidazole) are used for non-antibacterial purposes in dogs and cats. This study looked to characterise the rationale for metronidazole prescription in these species. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Veterinarians reported clinical information for dogs and cats treated with metronidazole in the previous year, including the rationale for metronidazole selection. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-two cases were reported by 138 veterinarians describing metronidazole use in 47 cats and 285 dogs. Metronidazole was most commonly prescribed to treat acute diarrhoea (n = 156, 47%), chronic diarrhoea (n = 79, 24%) or giardiasis (n = 36, 11%). Veterinarians selected metronidazole exclusively for non-antimicrobial targeted therapy in 42% of cases (125/300). Putative anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory properties were cited in 64% of cases (213/332). Educational resources (41/92, 45%), team-based collaboration (29/92, 32%) and specialist consultation (10/92, 11%) were cited as the supportive basis for these prescription choices. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Veterinarians are using metronidazole frequently for non-antimicrobial properties in contradiction to antimicrobial use guidelines. Future stewardship programs should adapt guidance specifically to counter this prescribing behaviour.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40588816/