From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-11-25 23:03:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Flagyl
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Coppandco" <Coppandco@h...> wrote:
> I have just found a wonderful way to get that "hated" antibiotic
Flagyl. My vet has given me Flagyl in a topical cream. You just rub
a measured amount onto the skin and then just let it work. Of course
it helps that this particular ferret - Okisi - is bald (he never grew
back his hair after his last adrenal surgery). The Flagyl appears to
be working well and for once I have absolutely no problems in
administering it.
> I would be interested in hearing from anyone else who has used this
method, especially any pros and cons.
Dear Rena:
I have serious concerns about the use of transdermal Flagyl. I have
discussed this with otehr vets on this list, as well as pharmacists.
Metronidazole is used in ferrets for treatment of two agents - one a
bacteria (Helicobacter) and one a protozoan (Giardia). Both of these
agents are extracellular and live in the lumen of the stomach and
intestine, respectively.
As these agents live outside the tissues of the body, in the space
within the gut, we rely on oral administration to get the proper
dosage of the antibiotic to these pathogens. When you administer it
with a cream, you get a low blood level of the antibiotic, which
likely does not get into the lumen of the gut at all, and is probably
of no effect.
Metronidazole creams are effective in human females for vaginal
infections, in which it is deposited into the vagina where it can be
effective against some pathogens, but is not used in that form for GI
problems.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM