Is Flagyl making my cat lose appetite instead of helping?

Hello. I am so sorry for your concerns about Mia. I would not stop the Flagyl without talking to your veterinarian. In addition to its antibiotic properties, this medication can have some anti-inflammatory effect especially in the gut. She may also need some anti-nausea medication like Cerenia to keep her comfortable. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It could be that the diarrhea worsening is independent of the metronidazole as this drug does not help all cases of diarrhea, dependent on the cause. But since it is new it would be best to stop until you can speak with your vet. Has your kitty had a work up for these symptoms? Chronic vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of several things, but most notably GI disease. It would be abnormal for a cat to need chronic medication for vomiting unless there is a disease process there. Just to help a little, a work up for an older kitty with these signs could include bloodwork with thyroid testing, an abdominal ultrasound, and sampling if needed (dependent on ultrasound). If there is an underlying disease that can be treated your kitty may feel better and need less medications eventually. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This is very difficult to assess fully but metronidazole is generally considered more likely to result inn stomach upsets. Probiotics are very helpful after a course of antibiotics but are less effective if given alongside. Your vet should be able to confirm the risks and benefits of stopping treatment early given possible side effects

Without seeing Z in person, I can't say what is the best course of treatment for him. I'd trust your vet's decision, but if you do have questions, you can always take him into another vet for a second opinion.

Hi and thank you for using PetCoach. I am sorry to hear that Beau is having diarrhea. Since, Beau has only been on metronidazole for one day, I would continue it as it may not have started to work yet. It typically takes 24-48 hours to see any changes. However, if Beau stops eating, is lethargic or has blood in his stool, I would reach out to your veterinarian again and let them know. Beau may need another physical exam or other medications. Here is an article on diarrhea in cats that may be helpful for you and Beau: https://www.petcoach.co/article/diarrhea-in-cats/ Good luck and I hope he feels better soon!

I am sorry Damian does not feel well. I would recommend recontacting the vet to let them know Damian feels worse. Typically metronidazole works with in 24-48 hours. Typically if he is having liquid diarrhea he is not constipated. I would make sure a fecal is negative for parasites like coccidia. He might need deworming for coccidia since he is you. I would feed him the new food and you can start with a small amount of pedialyte however if he is still not improving I recommend taking him back to a veterinarian for more testing like bloodwork.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Haboob. Congrats on your new cat, but I'm sorry he has diarrhea! It is a bit concerning that he's really not eating enough, and if he's had diarrhea for a few weeks, that would make him feel pretty awful and lead to a decrease in appetite. Given that the Metronidazole didn't fix the diarrhea and he's having a decrease in appetite, I think taking him into the vet again would be best. I'd have him seen today or tomorrow. I hope this helps!