Side Effects of Metronidazole in Puppies

Metronidazole is a compound used in increasing frequency at veterinarian offices. Veterinarians use the compound to treat diarrhea, helicobacter and giardiasis, which are common symptoms related to gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease. As with any medication, your puppy may encounter side effects when treated with the compound. Becoming aware of the possible side effects will help you identify any that may arise if your puppy has a reaction to Metronidazole.

  1. Neurological Effects

    • Dogs may suffer from neurological disorders and seizures after taking Metronidazole. Most dogs exhibiting neurological symptoms have received multiple administrations of the drug, from weeks to months of therapy. Most of these dogs also were given relatively small doses of the drug, under 60 mg per kilogram of weight per day.

    Neurotoxic

    • Some neurotoxic side effects are common in dogs that receive Metronidazole. Such effects include neutropenia, a loss of neutrophils in the blood similar to anemia and leukemia. Other neurotoxic side effects of the compound include encephalopathy, which is overall brain dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to the nerves. Weakness is a key sign of any of these neurotoxic side effects.

    Nutritional

    • Many varieties of nutritional effects are related to the use of this medication. Anorexia, bulimia and not eating are all symptoms of Metronidazole toxicity. Your dog may also begin to vomit or have diarrhea if suffering from the effects of the compound. Monitor your dog's eating and waste habits when administering the drug to ensure you are aware of any discrepancies from usual habits.