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02-26-2006, 05:29 PM | #1 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4
| Help! Metronidazole, bloating, cancer?!?! Hi, I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar, and if they have any guidance for us. We brought our little Yorkie Scully into the Vet on Tuesday when she had a little diarrea and we thought there might have been some blood mixed in there as well, we weren't sure, but figured better safe then sorry. The Vet we saw that day told us she has an environmental parasite and prescribed Metronidazole 50mg capsules twice daily. That day she weighed 5.8lbs. 24 hours later, she weighed 8 lbs!!!! She was so bloated! So I was concerned, and my husband brought Miss Scully back in. After tests a different Vet is now telling us they think it is either Lymphoma, Lymphantaisa(spelling?), or inflametory bowels. They thought it could also be her kidneys or liver, but they think they have ruled that out. This Vet also told us she only has a 50/50 chance of survival. We are bringing her back in to another Vet (one with a better bedside manner) for a second opinion, but has anyone else ever experienced something like this? Does anyone know about how any of those three conditions play out? My heart of hearts is telling me this drug is the cause...maybe I'm just naive, but it all seems so sudden! Please if anyone has any insight I'd appreciate it, I just can't sit still and wait for tomorrow. Thank you and bless you all. |
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02-26-2006, 05:39 PM | #2 |
I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Posts: 37,147
| That is really bizarre how she gained that much weight that quickly. It seems like she wasnt on the medication long enough to be the meds but I dont know maybe it is. I hope your vet can find what is wrong.
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02-26-2006, 05:40 PM | #3 |
Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado
Posts: 6,728
| Here are some specialty websites that you can start with. Anesthesiology www.acva.org Canine & Feline Practitioners www.abvp.com (800) 697-3583 Cardiology www.acvim.org (800) 245-9081 Dentistry www.avdc.org (215) 898-5903 Dermatology www.acvd.org Emergency & Critical Care www.acvecc.org Internal Medicine www.acvim.org (800) 245-9081 Neurology www.acvim.org (800) 245-9081 Nutrition www.acvn.org Oncology www.acvim.org (800) 245-9081 Ophthalmology www.acvo.org (208) 466-7624 Pathology www.acvp.org (608) 443-2466 Pharmacology www.acvcp.org Toxicology www.abvt.org Veterinary Behaviorists www.veterinarybehaviorists.org Veterinary Surgeons www.acvs.org (301)610-2000
__________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products! |
02-26-2006, 05:41 PM | #4 |
YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Crystal, Minnesota
Posts: 285
| I'm sorry, I don't know anything about that stuff, but our prayers are with you!
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02-26-2006, 05:44 PM | #5 |
Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado
Posts: 6,728
| Metronidazole For Veterinary Use by Barbara Forney, VMD Overview Therapeutic Class Antiprotozoal, antibiotic Species Horses, dogs, and cats Indications Anaerobic bacterial infections, protozoal infections, non-specific inflammatory conditions of the bowel. FDA Status No veterinary approval. Basic Information Metronidazole is an antibiotic which is commonly used to treat protozoal infections and anaerobic bacterial infections. It also has anti-inflammatory effects in the bowel. Metronidazole is bactericidal; it kills bacterial microorganisms by disrupting their DNA. It is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract, metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine and the feces. Because metronidazole only has activity against anaerobic bacteria, it is commonly used with other antibiotics when it is used to treat mixed bacterial infections. It is compatible with many other antibiotics including penicillin antibiotics, aminoglycosides, and some cephalosporins. Dogs and Cats 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. Horses Metronidazole is primarily used with other antibiotics to treat mixed bacterial infections in which anaerobic bacteria are present, for example, pleuropneumonia, peritonitis, and abdominal abscesses. It is also used prophylactically after colic or other abdominal surgery when mixed bacterial infections are a risk. Metronidazole is generally given orally although it is also absorbed rectally. Rectal administration is occasionally used in the very sick patient when anorexia and weight loss are a problem. Side Effects • Most common: clinical signs related to the bad taste, or GI upset. • Dogs and cats: excessive salivation, gagging, regurgitation, pawing at the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite are the most frequent complaints. Less common or rare side effects include diarrhea, depression, lethargy, weakness, low white blood cell count, liver failure, and blood in the urine, or dark urine due to pigment changes. Neurologic signs may be seen after accidental overdose or, more commonly, with long-term moderate to high-dose therapy as in the treatment of difficult bacterial infections. Signs often begin 7 to 12 days following the start of treatment. • Horses: side effects are not commonly associated with metronidazole. The major problem with using this drug is its bad taste. Many horses stop eating when this drug is mixed with feed and a reliable method of administration must be found. Precautions • Metronidazole causes birth defects in laboratory animals. It should be avoided in pregnant animals, especially in the first trimester. Some metronidazole is excreted in breast milk, and it should not be used in lactating animals. • Metronidazole should not be used in young puppies and kittens. • Metronidazole should be avoided or used with caution, at reduced doses, in animals with kidney or liver disease. Drug Interactions • Metronidazole is reported to elevate prothrombin time in animals on warfarin or other coumarin anticoagulants. • Cimetidine can interfere with the liver's ability to break down metronidazole and the dose may have to be reduced. • Phenobarbital and phenytoin may increase the metabolism of metronidazole. Overdose • Dogs and cats: Symptoms of overdose of metronidazole include the gastrointestinal signs (anorexia, vomiting) and neurologic signs including depression, ataxia, disorientation, head-tilt, tremors, bradycardia, rigidity, stiffness, and seizures. Neurologic signs may occur due to acute overdose although they are more commonly seen in animals that are on long-term moderate or high doses (oral doses greater than 66 mg/kg/day). Signs of chronic toxicity often begin 7-12 days following the start of treatment. After the drug is discontinued, it may be several days to two weeks before these neurologic signs begin to diminish. • No specific information was found on overdose in the horse. About the Author Dr. Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982. She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse. Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
__________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products! |
02-26-2006, 05:56 PM | #6 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4
| Thank you all for your support. Cindy your last post, actually helps a lot. Especially when it talks about Liver failure. From what the Vet was explaining to me over the phone - and so much of it is fuzzy, cause I was in such shock. She said that all of the Fluid in her body was from something that the liver produces. I'm very anxious to talk to the other Vet tomorrow, and feel I can at least asks about that. Thanks Again |
02-26-2006, 06:05 PM | #7 |
Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado
Posts: 6,728
| I know you are so worried but hopefully the other vet will help you understand what is going on. It sounds to me as if they have not run any tests yet but are speculating - which is reasonable given his bloat. Please let us know after your vet visit what he thinks. I will be thinking of you.
__________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products! |
02-26-2006, 07:00 PM | #8 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my house :)
Posts: 5,219
| My heart goes out to you Ckuehl. We went through the same symptoms and medication with our first Yorkie, Boog. His problems seemed to be concentrated in the GI tract and his liver was fine...maybe they can gain fluid like that from different things? Boog had other health issues that I'm sure contributed to the whole picture. Good luck with your other vet...I'll keep you and your baby in my prayers. |
02-26-2006, 07:06 PM | #9 |
Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 4,387
| Oh gosh.... I sure hope the first doctor is Very Very WRONG! Good for you to get a second opinion. We will include Scully, your husband and you in our prayers. I know how scary this must be. Hang in there and keep on giving Scully positive thoughts and encouragement, and tell him he will beat this thing. It really helps.
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02-26-2006, 07:29 PM | #10 |
Donating YT 30K Club Member | My pom was just on that med and had no problems. Maya weighs 12 1/2 lbs and her dosage was 125 mg twice a day so the dosage seems appropriate. I hope he gets better soon. You stopped the medicine right?
__________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html |
02-26-2006, 07:31 PM | #11 |
BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA
Posts: 9,999
| That is a lot of weight at once. Im not sure .. but I will keep your baby in my prayers. |
03-01-2006, 10:15 PM | #12 |
Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD
Posts: 2,985
| Congestive heart failure can cause a sudden weight gain like that if it is a fluid build-up. There can be fluids in the chest cavity or in the abdominal cavity and several underlying causes. Liver failure of some sort, infection, cancer can all cause ascites (that is the build-up of fluids in the abd. cavity) and it can be drained off occasionaly and the vet tries to treat the underlying cause. Fluid pills will be used in either case, fluid restrictions as well as salt intake, will need to be monitored. Hepatotoxicity is a side effect of Metronidazole but in large doses....The recommended dose is 25mgm/kg of body weight twice a day.. It seems my replies are longer than most but I research thru my vet text books for reliable info and try to pass it on. Forgive me if I bore you with these posts. |
03-01-2006, 10:45 PM | #13 |
YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA
Posts: 2,992
| Ckeuhl -- we always have a lot of people here with heartfelt advise who share their different experiences, etc. But, your little guy is seriously ill, and I'm glad you are getting professional care for him. With my experience in medicine, I certainly also suspect that only fluid retention could cause that much weight gain in such a short period of time. And - there are so many different conditions that can cause this. Please keep going to your vet, take his advise, and follow his treatment plan religiously. Getting more than one opinion is certainly worth doing when you are dealing with a seriously ill little pet. I hope your puppy has something that can be treated - and does get better. I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us informed about what you learn. Carol Jean Last edited by SnowWa; 03-01-2006 at 10:48 PM. |
03-02-2006, 06:12 PM | #14 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4
| Hello All of you wonderful, WONDERFUL Yorkie owners! I can't not thank you all enough for your well wishes. I did take our little one to a different Vet on Monday. When I told him about the Metronidazole, and how she bloated up right after being put on it, he took me seriously. We took her off of the Metronidazole on Monday, She lossed 3/4 of the bloat on Tuesday, and the rest of the bloat was gone on Wednesday. I guess it was just a bad reaction to the medication. I want to thank all of you for all of your thoughts & Prayers. What a wonderful community this is. Thank you again. |
03-02-2006, 06:18 PM | #15 |
I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Posts: 37,147
| That is great news. I am glad she is back to normal.
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