Metronidazole for Gerbils
Pocket Pet · Meriones unguiculatus · typical adult weight 0.07–0.13 kg
Metronidazole is dosed at 20 mg/kg PO every 12 hours for 7–10 days in gerbils, per MSD (Merck) Veterinary Manual. Gerbils. In: Exotic and Laboratory Animals: Rodents. Merck & Co., Inc. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/gerbils (accessed 2026-07-05). URL: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/gerbils. Metronidazole is used in gerbils for Tyzzer disease. Routes documented in gerbils: PO. A typical adult gerbil weighs 0.07–0.13 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Metronidazole in gerbils, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Flagyl
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 20 mg/kg | every 12 hours for 7–10 days | Tyzzer disease | Weak | MSD (Merck) Veterinary Manual. Gerbils. In: Exotic and Laboratory Animals: Rodents. Merck & Co., Inc. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/gerbils (accessed 2026-07-05). URL: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/gerbils |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your gerbil's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Disrupts DNA structure in anaerobic organisms via reduction of nitro group, forming cytotoxic intermediates.
Side effects & warnings
Neurotoxicity at high doses or prolonged use (ataxia, seizures). Avoid in pregnant animals. Hepatotoxic at high doses.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for gerbils may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Metronidazole for Gerbils?
Metronidazole dose range in gerbils, with cited source references: PO 20 mg/kg every 12 hours for 7–10 days.
How is Metronidazole administered in Gerbils?
Documented routes for Metronidazole in gerbils: PO.
What conditions does Metronidazole treat in Gerbils?
Metronidazole is indicated in gerbils for: Tyzzer disease.
What are the side effects of Metronidazole in Gerbils?
These are general warnings for Metronidazole across species; consult the gerbil dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Neurotoxicity at high doses or prolonged use (ataxia, seizures). Avoid in pregnant animals. Hepatotoxic at high doses.
Other Antibiotic drugs with gerbil dosing
Metronidazole dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Metronidazole pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in gerbils — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.