Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Metronidazole in dogs

40 reports to the FDA describe decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs given Metronidazole. That is 1.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

40Reports
85%Marked serious
20%Recovered
43%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
6 19%
1–2 days
5 16%
3–7 days
7 22%
1–4 weeks
2 6.3%
Over a month
12 38%

How the animals did

Recovered
7 18%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 2.5%
Still unwell when reported
10 25%
Died
2 5.0%
Euthanised
15 38%
Not known
5 13%

Problems reported at the same time

Liver problems
28 70%
Blood problems
26 65%
Diarrhea
25 63%
Loss of appetite
24 60%
Lethargy
23 57%
Vomiting
17 43%
Death
17 43%
Kidney problems
15 38%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
4
4–7 years
10
8–11 years
13
12+ years
9

About this medicine

Metronidazole treats some bacterial and parasitic gut infections.

Questions owners ask

Can Metronidazole cause decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs?
40 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 7 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Metronidazole in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased packed cell volume (pcv)