Expert: Patti - 11/2/2009

Question
my girl rottweiller/german shepard has worms that look like rice, she has vomited, she skoots and the doctor gave her  metronidazole 250mg and its been 2 weeks and no results, i am desperate, she is 12 weeks old and i love her as my family please help me thank you, i am going back to the vet on nov 2nd

Answer

Hi Frank,

Metronidazole is an antibiotic which is commonly used to treat protozoal infections and anaerobic bacterial infections. It also has anti-inflammatory effects in the bowel. It is not a de-wormer.

Worm eggs that resemble grains of rice are Tapeworms. Praziquantel and Epsiprantel are the most common anti-parasitic agents used in killing this kind of worm.

You should confirm with your veterinarian the kind of worm your dog has, at that point gently suggest trying a de-wormer for the specific kind of parasite your dog has, or you may consider having a different veterinarian examine your dog (bring a sample of the worm to the new vet).

Best of luck,

Patti