Replied By Crysgrits (Charlotte, Nc) on 07/28/2010
I had an incredibly similar experience with the metronidazole, although our dosage was not long-term, it was a typical 10 day dosage. My 7 year old terrier mix was put on metronidazole as a precaution because she was sick and they were using it as an antibiotic. After about 2 days of being on the drug, she was unable to walk straight, a few hours later, she was unable to operate her hind legs. The vet we were using kept her for the day, flushed her system, put her on iv's, etc. However, I would not let them keep her overnight, as they did not have anybody there overnight. I picked her up and intended on keeping her for the evening. A few hours later, I couldn't take it. It was clear that she was completely unaware that I was sitting right beside her, and her eyes began shaking (shifting right to left) uncontrollably. I had to take her to an emergency vet (different vet), and he warned me that this is a rare side effect, but known, and can even happen in humans as well as dogs. He told me it essentially attacked her brain. Luckily she turned out to be OK, after 2 days in the hospital hooked up to fluids to flush her system of the drug, but apparently most dogs with the reaction are not as lucky. None of my dogs will ever be given this drug again.Replied By Lblibris (Slc, Utah) on 03/05/2011
My 15 year old cocker developed nuerotoxicity to this drug and unfornately passed away within one of week of taking it. Please view this website that tells about our experience and more information, including where to report adverse reactions to medications. sites.google.com/site/bewareofmetronidazole