Blue and Rex are back on the Metronidazole. *sigh*

After a week of solid, formed poos and finishing out their doses of Metro for the giardia they caught from Bear, I stopped meds for Blue and Rex. Yesterday, Rex's stool was runny and smelly again. I started him back on the Metro I had here (their doses didn't take the entire bottle). He got two doses of Metro last night and two doses tonight (62.5mg each for a total of 125mg/day). I called the vet this morning and he said to treat Blue and Rex for another 10 days with the Metro.

I am a little concerned as I read online because there is so much about liver damage in cats from prolonged metro use. Blue is OLD and Rex is YOUNG - neither are really great factors.

I am sad tonight. I just really want my cats to be healthy. I am dealing with: Blue - hyperthyroid, infected tooth which can't be pulled due to his condition with the giardia, and recurring Giardia. Rex - recurring Giardia. Rosco - a huge Staph outbreak and a constant lookout for possible Giardia. I think I am just going to cry!

Originally Posted by BlueRexBear

I am a little concerned as I read online because there is so much about liver damage in cats from prolonged metro use. Blue is OLD and Rex is YOUNG - neither are really great factors.

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Metro is actually quite safe to be used long term... In IBD cats it is sometimes used months and months in a row - your babies are going to be alright
Those side effects are very rare... It should be avoided if your cat has liver failure to begin with, if not, for a Giardia course, they will be fine. Long term for metro is not 10-15 days...

I am sure you covered this but I cannot remember ... They both tested Positive for Giardia? what meds have been used? It is a nasty parasite often taking multiple rounds of drugs to cure.

Originally Posted by sharky

I am sure you covered this but I cannot remember ... They both tested Positive for Giardia? what meds have been used? It is a nasty parasite often taking multiple rounds of drugs to cure.

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also, problem is Jen, they were given only a 5 day dose instead of the most effective 10 that they should be given to begin with on the first round...

Originally Posted by Carolina

also, problem is Jen, they were given only a 5 day dose instead of the most effective 10 that they should be given to begin with on the first round...

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And...they were "half-dosed" by my first vet. He was giving them 60ml a DAY. Blue and Rex didn't have such bad cases as Bear, but I can't help but think that under-dosing the animals is what has caused all of this to drag on like it has.

Originally Posted by BlueRexBear

And...they were "half-dosed" by my first vet. He was giving them 60ml a DAY. Blue and Rex didn't have such bad cases as Bear, but I can't help but think that under-dosing the animals is what has caused all of this to drag on like it has.

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Were Blue and Rex half-dosed as well? I thought the vet adjusted their dose and the only half-dosed was Bear?
Oh my, what a drag!

What other drugs have been tried ...

Nope...he half dosed everyone...including the dog! Blue and Rex got the doses for about 7 days because I didn't stop at 5. They got 60mg per day for 7 days.

No other meds have been used with Blue and Rex. Poor Bear is whole 'nother thread!

ETA: I am giving blue and rex a probiotic.

Originally Posted by BlueRexBear

Nope...he half dosed everyone...including the dog!

Blue and Rex got the doses for about 7 days because I didn't stop at 5. They got 60mg per day for 7 days.

No other meds have been used with Blue and Rex. Poor Bear is whole 'nother thread!

ETA: I am giving blue and rex a probiotic.

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The Metro will kill the pro biotic( use it after treatment for best results)

Originally Posted by sharky

The Metro will kill the pro biotic( use it after treatment for best results)

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That is helpful advice! I will stop giving it for now. It was way too expensive to waste!