Struggling with constipation...need help

[Barb and Buddy]

I need as much feedback on this as I possibly can get! I have a 15 year old cat who was recently diagnosed. Because of a fixed income I cannot afford the insulin etc. so my vet and I decided diet only. Turns out the diet she had been on for years was the worst I could have given her. Purina dry Weight Management and the FF with gravies. So now she gets the FF classics and no dry food. Big change in BG levels. An original reading of 441 when first diagnosed to now maintaining 108-154 levels each day with just the diet change. On Sunday we had to go to the emergency vet because she had not pooped in 3 or 4 days and was oozing a very smelly discharge from the anal area and was in pain. She would not let me touch her butt area without crying. Emergency vet did x-rays, gave fluids and it took two enemas to clean her out. I was sent home with instructions to give 1/8 tsp of Miralax once a day. This morning was day 4 and still no bowel movement. Should I be concerned and how long will it usually take a cat to have a bowel movement after being cleaned out? I am sure it varies between cats. My own vet is hard to get a hold of and normally will relay a message to me via a vet tech. I cannot afford another visit. I have spent all the $$ I had so far on her care at the vet and she was just diagnosed on 12/21! She is eating, drinking and urinating, but sometimes it looks like she may be sick to her stomach and maybe it is because of the Miralax. Her behavior has been normal and I am now wondering if she is even really diabetic with her readings being as good as they are now. Maybe her old diet was the cause of the high reading upon diagnosis. I am sure the brands I had mentioned above were the root of all evils and loaded with carbs. Also, she was overweight at 12.2lbs. and eating a lot each day. Now I space her meals out evenly and she is getting nowhere near what she was getting before. She lost about a pound over a two and a half week period. She is a small cat and the 12 plus pounds were a lot for her to carry. I would appreciate your thoughts and any feedback. Hoping Calli and I are not the only ones who are dealing with difficult constipation issues. I am so overwhelmed by all of this and my head is swimming!! Barb

 

[Anitafrnhamer]

I give Squeaker 1/8 tsp twice a day. I would also stir a little extra water into the food as added moisture can help things "move".
Here are a couple of helpful websites that you may want to take a look at"
http://www.felinecrf.org/constipation.htm
http://www.felineconstipation.org/

 

[Barb and Buddy]

I thought of upping the dose to twice a day but am afraid to. I do put water in with it because she loves "gravies" and that makes the Classic FF more like the gravies. I appreciate your feedback and the informative links. Will research them. Thank you

 

[Barb and Buddy]

Have you ever experienced any side effects with Miralax? Calli seems like she could be sick to her stomach.

 

[tiffmaxee]

Take a look at felineconstipation.org. Four days us way too long to go and she might need an enema. Miralax is a dose to effect. Max gets 1/8 teaspoon. I used to give it once a day but in my reading found out it can be spread out over the day and night. Two times a day will not cause any issues for most. Sine give 1/4 teaspoon. I hope things improve quickly.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

Take a look at felineconstipation.org. Four days us way too long to go and she might need an enema. Miralax is a dose to effect. Max gets 1/8 teaspoon. I used to give it once a day but in my reading found out it can be spread out over the day and night. Two times a day will not cause any issues for most. Sine give 1/4 teaspoon. I hope things improve quickly.

I will most likely call the vet today for some input also. She had two enemas on Sunday. Wondering if this will have to be done all the time. Very worried. Thanks for your feedback. It's hard to figure this all out.

 

[Merlin]

How is her appetite? Is she still eating? My vet said that I could go up to 1/4 tsp of Miralax twice a day if needed but you don't want to give it to her if she is all blocked up. I typically would give Merlin 1/8 tsp twice a day when he needed it. If she is having upset tummy issues, she may need 1/4 tab of Pepcid AC. Do you know what her BG number is? Is she back in normal range? If her numbers continue to be high she may be having other issues due to high BG number.

 

[Critter Mom]

Have you ever experienced any side effects with Miralax? Calli seems like she could be sick to her stomach.

I gave Saoirse Miralax twice. On both occasions it was a 'smidgen' measuring spoon's worth (c. 1/32 of a teaspoon) and she was distinctly uncomfortable after it. (I have to be very cautious and conservative when trialling things with Saoirse because of her pancreatitis problems.) I had a scoot on the intertube and found reports of Miralax causing discomfort in some humans (but then a lot of laxative or stool softeners do).


Mogs
.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

How is her appetite? Is she still eating? My vet said that I could go up to 1/4 tsp of Miralax twice a day if needed but you don't want to give it to her if she is all blocked up. I typically would give Merlin 1/8 tsp twice a day when he needed it. If she is having upset tummy issues, she may need 1/4 tab of Pepcid AC. Do you know what her BG number is? Is she back in normal range? If her numbers continue to be high she may be having other issues due to high BG number.

I took her BG about an hour ago and it was 127. Since her enemas on Sunday her numbers are in the 108-154 range. She is still eating. I will be calling the vet shortly

 

[Barb and Buddy]

I gave Saoirse Miralax twice. On both occasions it was a 'smidgen' measuring spoon's worth (c. 1/32 of a teaspoon) and she was distinctly uncomfortable after it. (I have to be very cautious and conservative when trialling things with Saoirse because of her pancreatitis problems.) I had a scoot on the intertube and found reports of Miralax causing discomfort in some humans (but then a lot of laxative or stool softeners do).


Mogs
.

I spoke to the vet today and she said if no poop tonight or in the morning to bring her in. Hoping she poops tonight. She also mentioned maybe putting her on lactulose. she is still eating and drinking. BG levels good.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

I took her BG about an hour ago and it was 127. Since her enemas on Sunday her numbers are in the 108-154 range. She is still eating. I will be calling the vet shortly

I took her BG about an hour ago and it was 127. Since her enemas on Sunday her numbers are in the 108-154 range. She is still eating. I will be calling the vet shortly

Spoke to the vet. May have to take her in tomorrow if still no poop. Her BG levels are good and she is eating and drinking still.

 

[Olive & Paula]

I sprinkle miralax in all the snack feedings throughout the day. I also give canned pumpkin in the 2 main meals everyday.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

I sprinkle miralax in all the snack feedings throughout the day. I also give canned pumpkin in the 2 main meals everyday.

Calli has been on Miralax 4 days now and still no poop. Eating drinking and peeing fine. Vet wants to see her tomorrow if she still has not pooped.

 

[Critter Mom]

I've read here that lactulose may impact blood glucose levels.

 

[Olive & Paula]

It is a sugar product.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

It is a sugarproduct.

I've read here that lactulose may impact blood glucose levels.

Her BG is holding steady with great numbers each day. I don't understand why they can't make a product without sugar that would work for all cats with or without diabetes that are struggling with bowel issues.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

I've read here that lactulose may impact blood glucose levels.

I don't understand these vets. Why do they recommend things with sugar in it for a diabetic cat? Makes no sense to me. Anyhow, still no poop and it is the beginning of day 5 so Calli has a vet appointment today. Will post outcome later. Thanks for the heads up on lactulose!

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

I have GREAT success with the canned pumpkin (pure NOT pie filling pumpkin) I use 1 heaping teaspoon in AM and PM meals daily and he has had no more constipation and or/ diarrhea. He use to vacillate between one or the other. Also, add water to every meal. I add as much as 1/8 c of water in his meals and just a bit in his snacks. Now that his ketones are gone and his numbers are coming down, I rarely see him drink water so it is important to get it in him since he has the tendency to become constipated.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

I have GREAT success with the canned pumpkin (pure NOT pie filling pumpkin) I use 1 heaping teaspoon in AM and PM meals daily and he has had no more constipation and or/ diarrhea. He use to vacillate between one or the other. Also, add water to every meal. I add as much as 1/8 c of water in his meals and just a bit in his snacks. Now that his ketones are gone and his numbers are coming down, I rarely see him drink water so it is important to get it in him since he has the tendency to become constipated.

Calli is at the vet's now getting another enema. I came home and am waiting on the call to come get her. The doc and I briefly discussed our course of action. We will discuss it further when I go get her. The only thing that concerns me about the pumpkin is that she might not like it. I do already add water to her food. Been doing that right along. Her numbers have been so good and holding steady. Obviously the diet is working. Took her BG before we left this morning for the vet and it was 120. What kind of snacks to you give Bubba? I'd like to at least try the pumpkin. Thanks!

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Calli is at the vet's now getting another enema. I came home and am waiting on the call to come get her. The doc and I briefly discussed our course of action. We will discuss it further when I go get her. The only thing tIhat concerns me about the pumpkin is that she might not like it. I do already add water to her food. Been doing that right along. Her numbers have been so good and holding steady. Obviously the diet is working. Took her BG before we left this morning for the vet and it was 120. What kind of snacks to you give Bubba? I'd like to at least try the pumpkin. Thanks!

I give Bubba Stella and Chewy freeze dried Chicken and Bonita Flakes and poached chicken breast. I add the pumpkin into his food and he doesn't even know it's there. All my animals have it in their food and not one complaint. Good luck with Calli. My Sug, GA had a chronic problem with constipation and finally the vet took an xray to rule out obstruction and found that she had a V shaped bowel and the feces would get stuck in the small part of the V and I had to do an enema on her every few weeks towards the end of her life as her bowel lost it's motility. She was 17 1/4 when I had to let her go........still breaks my heart.

 

[Critter Mom]

I have GREAT success with the canned pumpkin (pure NOT pie filling pumpkin) I use 1 heaping teaspoon in AM and PM meals daily and he has had no more constipation and or/ diarrhea. He use to vacillate between one or the other. Also, add water to every meal. I add as much as 1/8 c of water in his meals and just a bit in his snacks. Now that his ketones are gone and his numbers are coming down, I rarely see him drink water so it is important to get it in him since he has the tendency to become constipated.

I do very similar. Some of Saoirse's meds tend to constipate. The pumpkin has really helped.


Mogs
.

 

[Critter Mom]

The only thing that concerns me about the pumpkin is that she might not like it.

Psyllium husk might be an alternative, but be very conservative with it as it tends to make the stools a bit bulky.


,

 

[Barb and Buddy]

Calli died today. Will post more in a few days.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

I give Bubba Stella and Chewy freeze dried Chicken and Bonita Flakes and poached chicken breast. I add the pumpkin into his food and he doesn't even know it's there. All my animals have it in their food and not one complaint. Good luck with Calli. My Sug, GA had a chronic problem with constipation and finally the vet took an xray to rule out obstruction and found that she had a V shaped bowel and the feces would get stuck in the small part of the V and I had to do an enema on her every few weeks towards the end of her life as her bowel lost it's motility. She was 17 1/4 when I had to let her go........still breaks my heart.

I give Bubba Stella and Chewy freeze dried Chicken and Bonita Flakes and poached chicken breast. I add the pumpkin into his food and he doesn't even know it's there. All my animals have it in their food and not one complaint. Good luck with Calli. My Sug, GA had a chronic problem with constipation and finally the vet took an xray to rule out obstruction and found that she had a V shaped bowel and the feces would get stuck in the small part of the V and I had to do an enema on her every few weeks towards the end of her life as her bowel lost it's motility. She was 17 1/4 when I had to let her go........still breaks my heart.

Calli died today. Will post details in a few days.

 

[Critter Mom]

Oh, Barb ...

No words. Just shock and deep, deep sorrow...

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Barb)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

.

 

[Olive & Paula]

OMG. So sorry Barb. Prayers and hugs to you.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Oh this is horrible! I am so very very sorry. Post when you are able. Lots of hugs are being sent your way.

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

Calli died today. Will post details in a few days.

Oh my God, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Calli...Fly Free Little one.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

So sorry to hear the news of your dear Calli!!!

Fly free sweet Calli and land softly....there are many at the Bridge to welcome you and keep you company until the one you love most comes to be with you forever

 

[Critter Mom]

Thinking of you. Goodness knows how you must be feeling; I'm completely stunned. I am so sad for you ...

For Calli ...

For you ...




Mogs
.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

Thinking of you. Goodness knows how you must be feeling; I'm completely stunned. I am so sad for you ...
First and foremost I want to say thank you for your kind words. Thank you too for all the advice and knowledge and caring you expressed these last few weeks. Both Calli and I benefited from your knowledge in this journey with diabetes. Calli went to the vet Friday morning for another enema. More xrays were taken and still showed no blockage, just a lot of stool. The vet gave her an enema and told me to go home and wait because it make take awhile or she might need more than one enema. So I went home. Two hours later, I get the phone call from a very concerned sounding vet. She told me Calli had a grand mal seizure and her heart stopped, but she brought her back and they were giving her oxygen. However, she still had not passed any stool. She said they were trying to stabilize her and she would call me back. Well within 15 minutes she called back and Calli had another seizure, her heart had stopped as had her breathing. Then our vet said she didn't think she was going to make it. I hung up, rushed out the door heading to the vets crying the whole way. When I got there I was too late. They could not save her. I am deeply hurting. I rescued Calli 15 years ago when she showed up at my door and never left. Obviously abused and scared of everything. She remained frightened by almost everything except me. She was a constant by my side and had to be touching me or near me at all times. She was only sick one time in those 15 years and then the diagnosis of diabetes just a few weeks ago. However, with your support and guidance we were beating diabetes with diet only. From a diagnosis reading of 441 to a steady range between 108-154 each day. I had tested her blood right before we left for the vet and it was 120. What caused the seizure we do not know, but during the seizure she had urinated and her urine was bloody. It was not at all bloody at home all this time. I almost think that the Miralax might have had something to do with this. Side effects can affect the kidneys and maybe that is what happened. I am regretting the use of Miralax on her because after 4 days of dosing it did not work for her. Maybe I should have used the pumpkin instead. So now I am deeply grieving the loss of this sweet little cat. I hope she understood how much I truly loved her. I will miss her. She was always near me and I can still feel her presence. I wish you many years of happiness and good health for both you and your cat and thank you again for all your help in this journey. I will continue to check in here with you from time to time to see how you are doing. Thank you so much.
For Calli ...

For you ...




Mogs
.

Thinking of you. Goodness knows how you must be feeling; I'm completely stunned. I am so sad for you ...

For Calli ...

For you ...




Mogs
.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

So sorry to hear the news of your dear Calli!!!

Fly free sweet Calli and land softly....there are many at the Bridge to welcome you and keep you company until the one you love most comes to be with you forever

Thank you for your beautiful words. They are a comfort. I am hoping you can see the post I just sent to "Crittermom" Let me know if you saw it so you will know exactly what happened to my Calli. I don't know if I could retype it again through so many tears. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and compassion with Calli and I. I learned so much from all of you and only wish this was not the outcome. We had this diabetes thing almost licked. I never expected this. I wish you all the best and for your cat I certainly hope for good health always. Thank you again for everything. I will stop by here from time to time to check on you. Take care.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Oh Barb, it is all so sad! I am just so very sorry. It has to be such a shock to you that you sweet little girl was going to the vet to get better......Please know how much each and every one of us here feel your pain. Hugs and Peace~

 

[Barb and Buddy]

Oh my God, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Calli...Fly Free Little one.

Thank you for the words of comfort. I am heartbroken and miss Calli dearly. This has been a hard journey, but made better by such good people on this website. I thank you all and pray for good health for your kitties.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

Oh Barb, it is all so sad! I am just so very sorry. It has to be such a shock to you that you sweet little girl was going to the vet to get better......Please know how much each and every one of us here feel your pain. Hugs and Peace~

I know. It was a total shock. Thank you so much for your kindness and for sharing your knowledge with me these last few weeks. You were a Godsend! Everyone of you were. I wish you all the happiness and good health for all your furbabies. Calli and I so appreciated all your help. I hope you can see my post to "crittermom" for an explanation of what happened to my Calli. Hug and kiss your Bubba every day because we never know how precious each moment can be until it is gone. I will continue to check in here with you from time to time. Take good care. Thank you for everything!

 

[Barb and Buddy]

OMG. So sorry Barb. Prayers and hugs to you.

Thank you so much. I will reply more tomorrow. I must get ready to go to work. Life goes on, only a little sadder.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

I know. It was a total shock. Thank you so much for your kindness and for sharing your knowledge with me these last few weeks. You were a Godsend! Everyone of you were. I wish you all the happiness and good health for all your furbabies. Calli and I so appreciated all your help. I hope you can see my post to "crittermom" for an explanation of what happened to my Calli. Hug and kiss your Bubba every day because we never know how precious each moment can be until it is gone. I will continue to check in here with you from time to time. Take good care. Thank you for everything!

Thank you sweetie, I will and I know that everyday is a gift. We can all see what you posted to Critter Mom and we are all so sad for you. It is just not what anyone expected. Oh, so many hugs to you.

 

[Critter Mom]

I am hoping you can see the post I just sent to "Crittermom" Let me know if you saw it so you will know exactly what happened to my Calli. I don't know if I could retype it again through so many tears.

From Barb's earlier post:

---------------------

Calli went to the vet Friday morning for another enema. More xrays were taken and still showed no blockage, just a lot of stool. The vet gave her an enema and told me to go home and wait because it make take awhile or she might need more than one enema. So I went home.

Two hours later, I get the phone call from a very concerned sounding vet. She told me Calli had a grand mal seizure and her heart stopped, but she brought her back and they were giving her oxygen. However, she still had not passed any stool. She said they were trying to stabilize her and she would call me back. Well within 15 minutes she called back and Calli had another seizure, her heart had stopped as had her breathing. Then our vet said she didn't think she was going to make it. I hung up, rushed out the door heading to the vets crying the whole way. When I got there I was too late. They could not save her. I am deeply hurting.

I rescued Calli 15 years ago when she showed up at my door and never left. Obviously abused and scared of everything. She remained frightened by almost everything except me. She was a constant by my side and had to be touching me or near me at all times. She was only sick one time in those 15 years and then the diagnosis of diabetes just a few weeks ago. However, with your support and guidance we were beating diabetes with diet only. From a diagnosis reading of 441 to a steady range between 108-154 each day. I had tested her blood right before we left for the vet and it was 120. What caused the seizure we do not know, but during the seizure she had urinated and her urine was bloody. It was not at all bloody at home all this time. I almost think that the Miralax might have had something to do with this. Side effects can affect the kidneys and maybe that is what happened. I am regretting the use of Miralax on her because after 4 days of dosing it did not work for her. Maybe I should have used the pumpkin instead. So now I am deeply grieving the loss of this sweet little cat. I hope she understood how much I truly loved her. I will miss her. She was always near me and I can still feel her presence.

----------------------
.

 

[Critter Mom]

Oh, Barb. Can't see the screen to write much right now ...

My heart is aching for you.

.

 

[Olive & Paula]

Barbara, Callie knows how much you loved her. I saw your post on what happened, such a sad day for you. Try to take some comfort knowing she is not sick or in pain anymore. She is free and is running and playing with friends she has met at the bridge. You will know when she pops in to check on you.

Take care . Hugs and prayers to you.

 

[Merlin]

I am so sorry to hear about Calli. It is so hard to have them leave us. Hugs to you and your family.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

I am so sorry to hear about Calli. It is so hard to have them leave us. Hugs to you and your family.

Thank you. I know time will heal the deep hurt I am feeling right now, and the memories of good times with her will always be with me. I was blessed to have had 15 wonderful years with her. What haunts me right now is that I wish I would have been there with her at the end. With all of my previous cats, I was the one to make the decision to end their lives when they got too sick. This is the first cat I have ever had that actually died. Calli passed away horribly and without me there....my heart aches more because I could not be there to let her know that I was still with her and did not leave her behind. I never even thought this would be the outcome of what I thought would help her. I expected to bring her home after her enema cleaned out all the stool. This was a shock because other than that she was doing great. I do have another cat and his name is Buddy. Buddy has been with us for 2 years. He showed up at our house out of the blue one day and like all my others in the past, he never left! We are blessed to have him. He is the sweetest boy. As close as we can figure he is about 3 years old. I think he is totally confused right now and does not understand what has happened to our Calli. If only they could talk and understand. Up until last November I had four cats. Phoenix, Boo, Calli and Buddy. In November of last year Phoenix who was 14 and had hyperthyroidism for 2 years then developed liver failure and I had to put her down in November. I had found Phoenix when she was just weeks old and had her for 14 years. Boo was also a rescued stray and he was with us for 13 years. He went into kidney failure only months after Phoenix in April and now we lose Calli after fifteen years. So you all see I have lost three cats all within 14 months time. That makes this loss the hardest and most painful. I called them my 3 Musketeers until Buddy came along and made four! So Calli now joins her sister and brother in Heaven and Buddy will carry on without his brother and sisters. I pray I am blessed with many more loving and healthy years with him. The Three Musketeers will be deeply missed and never ever forgotten! We were blessed with them for so many great years and we are all deeply grieving their loss. Thank you all for all you have done to help us.

 

[Sharon14]

Barb, I am so sorry for the loss of all three of your babies. Wishing you peace

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Barb, I think we are as stunned as you. It is so sad that you have had to go through so much in such a short period of time. Sending lots of hugs

 

[Barb and Buddy]

Barb, I think we are as stunned as you. It is so sad that you have had to go through so much in such a short period of time. Sending lots of hugs

Hoping all of your babies are doing well.

 

[Critter Mom]

Hi Barb,

Just a note to let you know I'm keeping you in my thoughts. You've had so many losses in so short a time. My heart goes out to you ...

I understand so well how tough it is when you're not there (been through it with my dad and three of mine).

How are you doing?




Mogs
.

 

[Barb and Buddy]

Hi Barb,

Just a note to let you know I'm keeping you in my thoughts. You've had so many losses in so short a time. My heart goes out to you ...

I understand so well how tough it is when you're not there (been through it with my dad and three of mine).

How are you doing?




Mogs
.

Hi Mogs.

I am doing okay. I still cry quite often when I think of Calli. I wish I could get the image of that last day out of my mind. I want so bad to concentrate on the way she was before she lost her life. Such a sweet and devoted little cat who loved and trusted only me. I know time heals. God knows I have been through this before, too many times. For some reason, the loss of Calli hurts so much more than the others. I think that is because she needed me so much more than the others did over the years. Everything frightened her. She was deathly afraid of people, even my own family. I was the only person she trusted and when she would look at me, I could see her deep love in her eyes. There are so many memories of her in the house. Like my others, I had her cremated and soon her ashes will be coming back home to be with us again. I am looking forward to bringing her back home. I only wish it were her in the flesh and not in an urn. :'(

I know eventually the hurt won't hurt as much and the many happy memories of her life with us will always be in my heart and mind. I still have my cat Buddy and I must now move on from the deep grief to care for him in better ways than I did my others. I always thought my choices were good choosing Purina dry food and Friskies Fancy Feast wet, but all the gravies not the pates. I guess this diabetes issue was a wake up call for me to feed the best quality of food that is higher in protein and lower in carbs. I am in the process of changing his diet over slowly to a better choice. It is true what they say that life does go on. but those special little souls are always missed. I'll be fine and now Buddy and I will carry on and live our lives, but always with the thoughts of those we loved dearly and who left us too soon.

Thank you so much for your kindness and compassion and thank you for thinking of Calli and I. Words cannot thank you and the others enough who communicated with me and for sharing all you have learned with us. Though our time on this site was short, much good came out of it even though we lost Calli. I will always be grateful to you and the others. I wish the best for your kitty and also all the other kitties who are living with diabetes and other chronic diseases. I will check in with all of you from time to time to see how you and your babies are doing. Until then, take good care. <3