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Portrait of british brief hair cat on darkish background; Thinkstock photograph
Dear Dr. John,
About two weeks in the past, our 14-year-old cat appeared 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-reduction plan for the cats within the family, so we had been puzzled as to the trigger. Can constipation come on immediately for no obvious cause?
Our vet gave him some enema remedy and despatched him home with us. He additionally gave us one thing referred to as Laxatone which is often used for hairballs and steered that we add some Metamucil sprinkled into his meals. He appeared fantastic 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 is perhaps wanted long run however that we may additionally strive Miralax. What do you recommend? J.S.
Dear J.S.,
Sometimes one by no means totally understands what causes persistent cat constipation. One must hold an eye fixed out for small, dry, and exhausting feces which might recommend that extra critical constipation is ready to occur. Diet is in fact one attainable trigger if it lacks sufficient fiber or is just too dry. Changes to the physiology of the colon may 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 doubtless it’s going to repeat as a consequence of weakened muscle within the colon and compromised nerve perform. In response to your questions, constipation can come on immediately for no apparent cause. Cat laxatives present in hairball drugs could be useful and each Metamucil and Miralax could be bought over-the-counter, which might work nicely. Lactulose is commonly utilized by veterinarians to maintain stools smooth. In badly constipated cats, I’d use Lactulose initially after which improve fiber with merchandise like Metamucil or change from the Lactulose to Miralax which works equally as an osmotic laxative. Stay observant to verify the cat continues to defecate usually.
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He could be reached at 781-899-9994.
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