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My dog has head tremors after Metronidazole. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Female | spayed | 2 years and 8 months old | 97 lbs

Maxine started getting head tremors this morning. This started after our vert prescribed Metronidazole. This has only happened one other time when she was prescribed Gabapentin. We stopped the Gabapentin, the tremors went away. I was going to do the same with the Metronidazole, is that okay to do? He prescribed it because had a little bit of yeast in her anus.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 10th, 2017

Poor Maxine, it sounds like she is very sensitive to medication which can commonly occur. Metronidazole can be hard on any dog's system especially depending on dose. In an ideal world you would speak to the prescribing vet before stopping the medication as they know the story regarding why they have prescribed it. But if this is not possible we must use best evidence, and in this case it would seem considering her history that the drug is causing the head tremors. These could get worse the more she takes the medication. Some year in her bottom is not going to do her serious harm immediately and there are other treatment options. I would try and speak to your vet as soon as you can but in the mean time don't give any more medication. If her condition starts to deteriorate take her to an emergency vet in case there is something else going on. When you speak to your vet make sure and explain how sensitive she has been in the past and with trial and error​ you will find a way to treat her.

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