>Flagyl in a topical cream. You just rub a measured amount onto the skin >and then just let it work. Dear X: I have serious concerns about the use of transdermal Flagyl. I have discussed this with other vets on this list, as well as pharmacists. Metronidazole is used in ferrets for treatment of two agents - one a bacteria (Helicobacter) and one a protozoan (Giardia). Both of these agents are extracellular and live in the lumen of the stomach and intestine, respectively. As these agents live outside the tissues of the body, in the space within the gut, we rely on oral administration to get the proper dosage of the antibiotic to these pathogens. When you administer it with a cream, you get a low blood level of the antibiotic, which likely does not get into the lumen of the gut at all, and is probably of no effect. Metronidazole creams are effective in human females for vaginal infections, in which it is deposited into the vagina where it can be effective against some pathogens, but is not used in that form for GI problems. With kindest regards, Bruce Williams, DVM [Posted in FML issue 3623]