Metronidazole intoxication in cat

Case report

Abstract

Metronidazole is an antibiotic of the nitroimidazole class, often used in the medical practice of small animals, primarily for the treatment of protozoal and bacterial anaerobic infections. Because it is highly bioavailable and crosses the blood-brain barrier, it can accumulate in the central nervous system and induce signs of neurotoxicity. The objective of this work is to report the case of intoxication of a cat after administration of metronidazole for the treatment of giardiasis. Lethargy, vomiting, ataxia, hypermetria, vertical nystagmus in both eyes and proprioception deficit in the pelvic limbs were observed. Due to clinical symptomatology, administration of metronidazole was immediately discontinued and support treatment was instituted. Five days after discontinuation of the drug no further neurological changes were observed.