Metronidazole neurotoxicosis in two cats

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2001 May-Jun;37(3):258-62. doi: 10.5326/15473317-37-3-258.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects*
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cats
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / veterinary*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Giardiasis / drug therapy
  • Giardiasis / veterinary
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / veterinary
  • Male
  • Metronidazole / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Metronidazole