Metronidazole is a drug used in both human and veterinary medicine, since it is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal, that is, it is used to fight infections caused by anaerobic bacteria.
These bacteria develop better in the absence of free oxygen and are generated in wounds such as punctures in the skin, bone fractures in which the bone comes to the surface, deep wounds and also usually develop around the mouth and on the gums. Although these bacteria coexist in the dog's body, when an external agent alters the balance of these begin to invade the tissues, causing deep infection and tissue death. For this reason, medication and treatment are essential.
Use and administration of Metronidazole
The mechanism of action of this antibiotic is carried out because it destabilizes the hecolloidal structure of DNA. In this way it inhibits the synthesis of nucleic acids. The medicine is taken up by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, since these organisms have the ability to transform Metronidazole intracellularly and return it actively.
The use of this drug is related to disorders and infections of the digestive system, although it is also administered for the urogenital system, mouth, throat and skin lesions. Its use is frequently given in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract., more precisely in the cases of diarrhea.
However, it should be taken into account that not all cases of diarrhea are from the same cause and therefore cannot be medicated in the same way. The use of Metronidazole is reserved when the intestinal canal is infected with parasites and guards can be observed in the stool, generally this occurs in puppies and because it is a safe enough drug, it can be administered without any problem.
It is also used for protozoan infections which is spread by ticks. The cases can vary and go from a slight irritation in the skin to a hemolytic crisis that is to say an anemia or a systematic shock.
Regarding its presentation you can find in tablet form for adult dogs; syrup or suspension for puppies and injectable that is used in the most severe cases and when the medication must be administered intravenously. The first two options can be used at home, always under veterinary supervision.
The doses that are supplied will always be those indicated by the doctor, but generally and orally 50 mg per day per kilo of weight is used, approximately five to seven days. The daily dose can be divided into equal parts and given twice a day, i.e. 25 mg morning and 25 mg at night.
An important fact to keep in mind is that the medication should always be given for the number of days indicated by the specialist, even when the improvement of the dog is seen. This information is essential because ending the days with the medication allows the dog to fully recover and bacterial resistance is avoided, that is, the infection appears again.
Other issues to consider
It is essential that Metronidazole is not used in animals with hypersensitivity, allergy to the drug or liver diseases. Its use must be strictly controlled in cases of severely weakened dogs or during gestation periods., so for this reason, the veterinarian should always carry out the corresponding studies, to rule out any possible complications before the supply of this drug.
It does not usually cause adverse effects, but if any secondary symptoms appear, the following may occur, vomiting or loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy, neurological disorders and, in less probability and frequency, liver disorders. However, if you see drooling, blood in the urine or loss of appetite, there is no reason to be alarmed, as these are minor side effects. Anyway and if these symptoms persist for too many days, the ideal is to make a veterinary consultation.
In isolated cases, Metronidazole has been seen to cause pancreatitis, however, it is necessary to take into account that its prolonged use can lead to the development of acute pancreatitis, in some isolated cases it can become chronic. As it mentioned above, these are isolated situations but that is necessary to take into account. For this, medical control is essential.
Allergic reactions can be a side effect of the administration of this medication and can present as hives that is identifiable by the appearance of red, inflamed bumps on the surface of the skin and as rashes that cause itching and peeling of the skin or rapid breathing. In the case of the latter, it is necessary to go quickly to the vet, since the dog's life could be at risk.
When the animal consumes inadequate doses or for very long periods of time, it may be facing intoxication, in which case the neurological problems are highly visible and can be clearly identified. Some of them are disorientation, tilted head posture, incoordination when walking, seizures, stiffness, tremors, and nystagmus which are involuntary eye movements. In any of these cases, an urgent visit to the vet is essential..
It is important that the medical history of the pet is taken into account, especially if you are under any medical or vitamin treatment, since the combination with other drugs can cause unwanted effects and even suppress the antibiotic action of Metronidazole.
There are few medicines that enhance the damage when administered with Metronidazole, here three of the best known are mentioned, they are:
- Cimetidine that is used for cases diagnosed with chronic gastritis and in the treatment and prevention of stomach and intestinal ulcers.
- Phenobarbital indicated for the treatment of primary epilepsy, focalized or generalized seizures.
- Warfarin used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins and arteries.
In case the pet is under treatment with any of these, the veterinarian must be informed immediately, otherwise the life of the animal is seriously in danger. It should be taken into account that there is a huge and varied amount of drugs and vitamin supplementsTherefore, it is essential not to limit yourself only to the three medications mentioned in this text that inhibit the action of Metronidazole.
As for its price and distribution, it will depend on each country and the laboratories that commercialize it, since it is a medicine known worldwide and used by the scientific community. Then, Ideally, talk to the professional and have him provide the information about what options are on the market.
The comment is very interesting, although I am a doctor, not in the field of veterinary medicine, it is very complex to handle a pet and even more so when there is no specialized information.
Thank you.