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Constipation in Cats
By Dr. Margaret Muns, DVM
Constipation is a sign of disease, and is relatively common in cats. It is
characterized by infrequent or absent defecation, and the passage of hard, dry
feces. There is also increased straining to defecate and decreased fecal
volume.
Constipation is different from obstipation, which is complete fecal
obstruction. When cats have obstipation, it impossible for them to defecate.
The colon becomes filled with rock-hard feces. Constipation generally has a
good prognosis, but cats with obstipation usually develop irreversible changes
in the muscle of their colon.
Constipation is also different from megacolon, which refers to the
condition of extreme colonic dilation, and is a disorder of the structure and
function of the colon. Cats with megacolon are always constipated, however
constipated cats don't necessarily have megacolon.
Megacolon can be primary or secondary. It can be caused by a primary defect
in the nerve supply of the colon, or it can become secondary to any lesion or
disease that prevents normal defecation over a long period of time.
Causes of Constipation
Constipation can be caused by any disorder that prevents the normal passage
of feces. The major causes of constipation can be divided into the following
categories:
- Dietary and environmental (hair, bones)
- Painful defecation (anal/rectal disease)
- Obstructive (old pelvic fracture, tumors)
- Neurological (paralysis, spinal cord disease, megacolon)
- Metabolic and hormonal (low potassium)
- Drug induced
- The most common causes are obstructive (secondary to hair ingestion) and
neurological.
A cat with signs of constipation should be seen by a veterinarian to determine
the underlying cause. If signs have not been observed, but a cat has a history
of lethargy, decreased appetite, or intermittent vomiting, the cat should be
seen by a veterinarian.
Cats with constipation typically have a history of reduced frequency or
total failure of defecation for a period of days to weeks. You may observe
your cat making frequent attempts to defecate without success.
Some cats pass liquid stool around the obstruction. The diarrhea may
contain blood or mucus. Often, cats can become significantly dehydrated.
Abdominal palpation usually reveals a hard, full colon, while a rectal
examination shows an empty rectum. Performing x-rays will confirm a full colon
and rule out any tumors.
Treatment
The treatment of constipation involves four basic steps:
- Restore electrolyte and fluid balance.
- Remove or alleviate any underlying causes.
- Administer laxatives or cathartics.
- Give enemas.
In general, constipated cats can be divided into two types of clinical groups:
A. Cats with severe impaction or obstipation.
B. Cats with long histories of moderate constipation.
Both types may require long-term therapy to control their disease. However,
the cats in the first category may require more effort to remove the impacted
feces.
Cats with severe impaction or obstipation must be admitted to a veterinary
hospital for treatment with oral laxatives, enemas, or manual evacuation under
anesthesia. The specific approach depends on the severity of the obstipation.
In extremely affected cats, the breakdown and removal of the fecal mass may
have to be done over two or three days. During hospitalization, the cat should
also receive good, supportive care.
On an outpatient basis, moderate impaction can be relieved with simple
water enemas. For maintenance therapy, you can do the following:
- Supplement the cat's diet with bran, metamucil, or a similar
bulk-forming material. However, there are some cats that do not improve,
or even get worse after fiber content is increased.
- Add laxatives as needed.
- Groom the cat regularly to remove dead hair from the coat.
- Keep the cat's litter box extremely clean to promote regular defecation.
- Do not change litter box brands abruptly.
- Remove covers from the litter box to prevent odor.
There are many different types of laxative and cathartic drugs that you can
use to treat constipation. Laxatives are usually milder and cause the
elimination of formed feces. In most cases, cathartic drugs will induce
diarrhea. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any
medication.
The prognosis for cats with impaction depends on the underlying cause and
duration of the impaction. Mild cases usually have a good prognosis, but
severe cases may lead to a secondary megacolon. You should be aware of the
possibility of continued preventative and maintenance therapy.
Hairballs Can Jeopardize Your Cat's Health
By: Dr. Jane Bicks
Cats spend up to 1/3 of their waking hours self-grooming. The tiny barbs on
a cat's tongue pull loose hair from it's coat and those hairs are swallowed.
Because hair is very difficult to digest, it compacts with undigested food in
the intestines.
The accumulation becomes a source of irritation if it is not eliminated in
the litter box or coughed up. The result is messy fur-like, cigar-shaped forms
on the floor or furniture. Some surgically removed hairballs are almost 3
inches in diameter.
Although you may not see hairballs, there may be a significant accumulation
in your cat's stomach and intestines!
Signs of hairball problems:
- Fur-like, cigar-shaped clumps of fur on floor or furniture.
- Dry, hacking cough.
- Vomiting after meals.
- Preoccupation with eating plants or grass.
- Hair entwined with the feces.
- Dry dull coat and/or excessive shedding.
- Poor appetite and/or weight loss.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
Common Treatments:
- Single focus products do not address a cat's entire system.
- Mineral oil or petroleum lubricants are petrochemical products
- Large amount of fiber can decrease intestinal absorption of nutrients
and may result in malnourished animal
- Enemas for constipation requires tranquilization and can be dangerous.
What Really Does Work?
A much better alternative for
hairballs is HealthyPetNet's Purr-fectly Natural, .... Gourmet Cat Treats.
- Contains highly digestible animal proteins which nourish and strengthen
hair.
- Contains essential fats from various sources including flaxseed meal,
which provides oils necessary for healthy skin and coat.
- Improves coat health so less hair is swallowed during grooming.
- Contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a friendly bacteria that provides
nourishment for proper intestinal function.
- Contains Slippery Elm, a special herb that supports the natural moisture
found in a healthy digestive system.
- Contains cellulose, a natural fiber that moves hair through the
digestive tract.
- Contains natural glycerin, which helps lubricate the intestines and
delicately move hair through the stomach and intestines.
- Formulated for finicky feline palates.
- No corn, wheat, by-products or dyes.
- No chemical preservatives.
Suggested feeding is 5 to 8 between meals daily, depending upon your cat's
weight. This is not a substitute for your cat's daily diet.
To learn more about how HealthyPetNet's Gourmet
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The Gourmet Cat Treats were scientifically formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks
with the health, well fare, and safety of your precious cat in mind.
Here's a Picture of
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Your cat will Love the taste of real herring in these treats.
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