Tritrichomonas foetus, a microscopic single-celled flagellated protozoan parasite, traditionally identified as a cause of reproductive disease in cattle, has been demonstrated as an important cause of
diarrhea in cats. Until recently, an effective antimicrobial treatment for feline Tritrichomonas foetus had not been idnetified. Since recommended dosages of antimicrobial drugs have failed in cats infected with Tritrichomonas foetus and in vitro studies have revealed multiple drug resistance, investigations continue in the effort to find an effective treatment. One particular study by Dr.Jody Gookin noted no clinicopathological abnormalities or adverse effects with the use of
ronidazole, and the research concluded that
ronidazole administered at 30 to 50 mg/kg orally twice daily for 2 weeks was capable of resolving
diarrhea and eradicating
infections of Tritrichomonas foetus in cats. Clinical use of
ronidazole has revealed a reversible, possibly dose-related, neurotoxicity. Cats receiving
ronidazole should be monitored for signs of nystagmus,
ataxia, or behavior change, and
ronidazole should be discontinued immediately if any of these signs are observed. Many compounding pharmacists have begun stocking pure
ronidazole powder to prepare veterinarian prescriptions for the treatnment of Tritrichomonas foetus. Doses of
ronidazole are usually prepared as capsules, the most desirable
dosage form because (1)the capsules mask the extremely bitter taste of
ronidazole, (2)exact dosing reduces the risk of neurotoxicity that has been reported at higher doses, and (3)the owner can be assured that the entire dose is ingested by the cat after administration of a
capsule.