Metronidazole is used to treat protozoal infections in cats and dogs including Giardia, Entamoeba, Trichomonas, and Balantidium. It is also used to treat anaerobic bacterial infections. Metronidazole has immune modulating activity and may be prescribed to treat inflammatory bowel disease. It may be used to treat colitis caused by other antibiotics, periodontal disease (especially in cats), Clostridium perfringens enterotoxemia, tetanus, diarrhea of undetermined cause, pancreatic insufficiency (with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and complications of severe liver disease. Metronidazole may be used with corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, or gum disease (gingivitis/stomatitis) in cats. Topical metronidazole gel is used in the treatment of skin infections, such as feline chin acne.
Metronidazole is usually tolerated better if given with food and there are a wide variety of flavors and preparations made by compounding pharmacies in order to deal with the problems associated with the bitter taste. Because of the variety of uses for this drug, dose amount, frequency and duration of treatment vary widely.[/B]
