Flagyl for cats is mainly used to treat infection caused by protozoa, including Entamoeba, Giardia, Trichomonas, etc. The drug is the market name of metronidazole, an antibiotic commonly used to cure inflammatory bowel disease. The antibiotic is much specific for the gastrointestinal tract, that’s why Flagyl serves as the right choice for that disease.
You might wonder what kind of inflammatory bowel disease is, as a disease. If the disease affects your cat, then the possible visible symptoms are weight loss, bloody stool (sometimes with or without mucous), diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and lethargy.
These signs may vary depends on the severity. It was said that a chronic disease like IBD will not be cured totally. But, the symptoms can be managed and recurrence can be avoided as well.
When it comes to the talk of flagyl for cats, there should be something you must know before going with this drug, like how will it affect your cat, how will it cure and to what extent, etc. So, check it out below.
What parasites will be affected?
As metronidazole is a type of antibiotic, it’ll work to tackle bacteria. The drug works well for anaerobic germs – those that grow without any oxygen. Protozoa will also be affected as well.
Flagyl for cats side effects
How will it affect your cat? The drug is considered safe for cats. But, you need to remember that in several cases, there were cats that showed less appetite, vomiting, or suffering from a dry mouth after the drug was administered. The continuous use with a high dosage of the drug may also cause toxicity – which manifests in its neurological system and causing seizures, tilting head, etc.
Suggestions
- Flagyl should not be administered to female cats that are pregnant or still lactating. The drug may surpass the placental barrier as well as existing in the mother cat’s milk. Hence, kittens may also get an adverse effect through indirect flagyl administration.
- The drug should not be administered for a long time since it can be damaging for the patient.
- Stopping the use of metronidazole right after the symptoms’ leaving may cause metronidazole resistance. It’s best to talk about using flagyl with your vet – since a vet is knowledgeable about the right dosage as well as the recommended length of flagyl use.
In conclusion, metronidazole administration can be considered effective and is permitted for cats, especially for those meowing fellows dealing with inflammatory bowel disease. But, as one with less knowledge about drugs and how to properly consume them for cats, talking to the vet about flagyl for cats is highly encouraged.
