Dear Sue. You are absolutely right, that Killian may have built up a toxic level due to an inability of his liver to break it down. Many drugs are broken down by the liver; this is one. My vet DAILY supervised the dosage and effects of the metronidazol. Because she was terminally ill already, they felt that although the drug itself may have adverse effects on her liver (which was already compromised) because her final outcome was inevitable, if it could have any positive effects at all, it was worth a try. She was eventually taken off it.

I, once again, am going to stand on my soap box. I have decided that no matter how insignificant, I will no longer hesitate to bug the heck out of my vet when I feel something isn't "right." I know my kids. Every nuance of their behavior, habits, etc. And I'm a nurse, and very attuned to physical and behavioral changes. But I'm not hysterical!!! I think I can sense better than anyone when they are not well. I have too often been told "don't worry" or, LITERALLY, wait and call me in the morning. I did this when I first got Jing. She was stuporous and could hardly walk the stairs. I called my vet. They asked if "maybe she was over exercised today??!!!!!!!!" Call me in the morning. I knew something was wrong. But I guess I wanted to believe it wasn't serious. By morning she was almost unconcious. I adopted her from a rescue group who did not automatically spay on adoption and she was scheduled for an appt. to have it done soon. Well, she had developed pyometra, a very serious, potentially fatal infection of the uterus. Their response as I and my husband carried her into the hospital was, "OH!!!!" Major surgery followed with a lengthy recuperation. When she first developed symptoms of liver cancer, and I remember the night so well, I knew that night something was very wrong. Jing, a lab, never passed up a crumb. Every night while cooking she would sit by my feet and wait for SOMETHING to drop..usually a veggie or some lettuce. That night she lay on the floor, lethargic, and didn't want to "beg." She didn't want to move. My stomach sunk. I noticed she had fine tremors in all her limbs. (Turns out it was a petite mal seizure!!!) The animal hospital on call, not mine, said it was probably just a fever or she was tired. I became more insistent. She got very snippy and annoyed. I told her she was probably having a "bad night" and slammed the phone down, knowing something was really wrong. I don't think I was ever so angry. Working with patients, I know how a patient's family should be dealt with; even if the Dr. believes the family or patient is over-reacting, the Dr. has to listen, show concern, and certainly not be dismissive. She was just rude and apparently didn't want to be bothered that night. It took 2 change of vets and 1 month later before I finally got a diagnosis.

PLEASE don't feel guilty about not calling or insisting on having Killian's meds adjusted sooner. WE are supposed to be the novices here. We trust our doctors. For the most part I do. But now, when I feel there really is something wrong, I INSIST on bringing them in. I don't care anymore if they think I'm a nut, a pain, or whatever!! I go!!! I have even INSISTED they do blood work, xrays etc. if there is any question. As far as I'm concerned, the more knowledge, info. etc to make a diagnosis, the better.

I don't believe there should be any permanent liver damage with Killian. And taking him off the meds will hopefully reverse the symptoms dramatically. Please let me know how he is as soon as there is word from the vet, any change, etc. You have no idea how deeply I am praying for you and Killian. And thank you so much for your kind words about my precious Jingles. That was so kind of you, especially when you have such a heavy heart. Love to you both. Sandra

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited June 18, 2001).]