FELINE CONSTIPATION
Older cats sometimes develop constipation, resulting in less frequent bowel movements. The stools are dry and hard, and pain or straining is evident when the cat attempts to have a bowel movement. The discomfort and straining caused by this condition can result in vomiting, anorexia and dehydration.
There are many causes of feline constipation. Some common causes include foreign bodies (string, hair, bones), lack of or excess of fiber in the diet, tumors, pelvic fractures, spinal cord damage, and intestinal scars from other injuries. MEGACOLON is a condition in cats where the colon becomes very dilated and is unable to contract sufficiently to evacuate the stools from the body. The major cause of this condition is thought to be a lack of proper nerve supply controlling the muscles of the colon. It appears to be an inherited condition.
Retention of fecal material can have a very detrimental effect on the cat. Digested food that stays in the intestine too long will begin to “spoil” and “rot.” When this occurs, the bacterial and toxins produced by the rotting food may then be absorbed into the bloodstream making the cat very sick, sometimes resulting in death.
DIAGNOSIS is usually confirmed very easily after obtaining a detailed history and performing a physical examination. Sometimes radiographs (x-rays) are necessary to determine the extent of the problem or to locate the presence of strictures or a foreign body. Blood tests are sometimes necessary in order to evaluate for dehydration and other body systems that may have been damaged.
PROGNOSIS. Many cats will have recurrent problems with constipation and require long-term medications to ensure proper nerve stimulation and muscle contraction of the intestine.
TREATMENT is directed at the specific cause of the constipation. Treatment may include manual removal of the bowel movements, cleansing enemas, laxatives, nerve stimulants, antibiotics, and sometimes even surgery when the condition cannot be controlled with medications. Diet modification is usually needed to add fiber and bulk to the stool. Occasionally cats will do better on a low fiber diet instead.
High fiber diets include Hill’s Prescription Diet r/dä or w/dä. Fiber can also be supplemented in the cat’s regular diet using ] Metamucilä, Bran Buds (1-3 tablespoons) mixed in milk, canned pumpkin (1 tablespoon/day) or prescription products such as Vetasil.
Medications used for this include Propulsidä (cisapride), 2.5-5 mg (1, 2 or 3 times daily), DSS, lactulose syrup or OTC products containing bisocodyl such as Dulcolax and Biscolax. If dehydration is present, from kidney disease, for example, fluids may be needed.
Increasing the amount of exercise the cat gets is also helpful. Observe your pet’s bowel movements daily and report any abnormalities such as blood in the stools, straining, painful bowel movements, or a failure to have a bowel movement at least every 2 days.
