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Managing Feline Colitis with Metronidazole

Cats > Medicine > Managing Feline Colitis with Metronidazole

Feline colitis may be caused by various factors such as a bacterial infection, stress, allergy, parasitic invasion or colon cancer. When the lining of the colon gets inflamed, the resulting condition is called colitis. The organ affected by colitis is the large intestine, whose function is to absorb water from indigestible food and pass the waste from the body.

Symptoms of Colitis

Discomfort while passing feces
Frequent need to defecate
Intermittent diarrhea
Stools with mucous
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Pain and discomfort in the abdomen
Dehydration
Vomiting

Diagnosis

Your vet will perform a physical examination of your cat, with a look at her history and symptoms. Colitis can occur suddenly, or it can be chronic or episodic. This will be taken into account to get an idea of the treatment. Various tests will be conducted to rule out other diseases and to confirm colitis.

Stool test for the presence of bacteria, parasites and protozoa
Complete blood count
Urine test
Tests to check for cancer
Tests to check for pancreatitis
Tests for hyperthyroidism

Treatment

The removal of the cause of inflammation is usually the way to treat colitis. Some common elements in the treatment of colitis are listed below.

Introduction of a low fat, high fibre diet
De-worming
Rehydration therapy
Anti-inflammatory medicines and antibiotics
Metronidazole for Colitis

Metronidazole is an antibiotic which penetrates the DNA of the bacteria causing infection. It then proceeds to damage the DNA in such a way that the bacteria and protozoa are unable to multiply. This finally kills the microbes and finishes the infection. This drug is particularly meant for bacteria which don't need oxygen to grow. These anaerobic bacteria are usually found in the intestines, bones and gums. This is the reason, that metronidazole is so effective in the case of colitis, which affects the large intestine.

It is recommended that you complete the course prescribed, even if your cat seems to be feeling better. Metronidazole has some side effects you should be aware of. Generally this drug is safe for cats, but as with all medications, it can affect some felines adversely.

Side Effects of Metronidazole

Diarrhea
Drooling
Dry mouth (licking or pawing at the mouth)
Drop in white blood cell count (neutropenia)
Liver failure ( hepatoxicity)
Bloody urine (hematuria)
Neurological disorders
Listlessness
Lack of appetite (anorexia)
Nausea
Vomiting

The prolonged use of metronidazole can prove to be toxic for your cat. Be alert to the reactions your cat may display as a result of this.

Back and forth eye movement
Seizures
Rigidity
Disorientation/staggering
Holding the head at a tilt
Tremors
Drop in heart beat

If your cat shows any of these symptoms, discontinue the use of the drug immediately. Usually she should recover within 2 weeks, but there have been cases where the reaction has been acute and fatal. Metronidazole should not be administered to a pregnant cat or one with hypersensitivity to the drug. The drug should not be taken on an empty stomach.

also see The Side Effects of Metronidazole for Cats

also see Causes of Hot Spots on Dogs

also see Diagnosing Feline Colitis

also see 4 Causes of Kitten Diarrhea