Dear Dr. John,
About two weeks in the past, our 14-year-old cat gave the impression to be straining to go to the lavatory and was not producing something. We wasted no time in having him seen. We had been informed that our cat was severely constipated. There had not been any change in weight loss plan for the cats within the family, so we had been puzzled as to the trigger. Can constipation come on all of a sudden for no obvious motive?
Our vet gave him some enema therapy and despatched him dwelling with us. He additionally gave us one thing referred to as Laxatone which is normally used for hairballs and advised that we add some Metamucil sprinkled into his meals. He appeared superb for a number of days after which the identical drawback reoccurred so this time he was given one thing referred to as Lactulose. We had been informed that it may be wanted long run however that we might additionally attempt Miralax. What do you counsel? J.S.
Dear J.S.,
Sometimes one by no means totally understands what causes continual cat constipation. One must maintain an eye fixed out for small, dry, and arduous feces which might counsel that extra severe constipation is ready to occur. Diet is after all one attainable trigger if it lacks sufficient fiber or is just too dry. Changes to the physiology of the colon will also be the trigger.
If constipation is discovered, it is very important search fast aid and backbone to the issue as a result of the longer it’s current, the extra possible it is going to repeat attributable to weakened muscle within the colon and compromised nerve perform. In response to your questions, constipation can come on all of a sudden for no apparent motive. Cat laxatives present in hairball drugs might be useful and each Metamucil and Miralax might be bought over-the-counter, which might work properly. Lactulose is usually utilized by veterinarians to maintain stools comfortable. In badly constipated cats, I would use Lactulose initially after which enhance fiber with merchandise like Metamucil or change from the Lactulose to Miralax which works equally as an osmotic laxative. Stay observant to ensure the cat continues to defecate often.
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He might be reached at 781-899-9994.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”