? 10/24/2020 Jada AMPS 161 Question about constipation.

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James Little

James Little

Member Since 2020
In the weeks since the diagnosis of diabetes Jada's stool is now very hard and more round. Frequently they are outside of the litter box. There have been a lot a changes for her since September. Jada's diet has changed completely. She gets injections twice daily and she gets her glucose checked regularly.

Does anyone have and home remedies or treatments that we can apply?

Thanks
 
Hi James,

It's possible that the diet change may be affecting the nature of Jada's stool. The first thing to make sure of before starting a home treatment for constipation is that there is no obstruction in the gut (e.g. a 'stuck stool') otherwise any treatment could be the equivalent of building up pressure behind a dam. Keeping a record of how frequently your kitty is pooping helps but if you are at all unsure then a visit to the vet for an examination is indicated.

Once any possible obstruction has been ruled out then adding a little canned pure pumpkin (NOT the pie filling!) or psyllium husk can help. Also mixing a little Miralax into food can help draw water into the stool. It's important to go slow with the additions because a little can go a long way. There is lots of helpful information at the following site:

felineconstipation.org

I've just had a look at Jada's spreadsheet and seen the results of the curve you ran yesterday. Assuming that your spreadsheet is correct and the curve readings were on an Alphatrak then the current dose you're giving Jada is too high. The lower limit of the normal reference range on the Alphatrak is 68mg/dL. The 65 result indicates an immediate dose reduction is needed. The 55 and 53 readings are WAY too low.

If you have changed to a human meter since setting up the spreadsheet, the lower limit is 50mg/dL. If yesterday's readings were taken on a human meter then Jada is running very, very close to the threshold, and the curve results indicate that for Jada's safety closer monitoring of AM and PM nadir level is needed so that you will know when the dose needs to be reduced.

If you're using Vetsulin or Novolin N, or using Lantus/Levemir and following SLGS, then dose reductions are indicated at a higher nadir. I don't know which insulin you are using so can't point you to more specific information about dose adjustments.

When you have a minute, it would be a great help if you could add the name of Jada's insulin to Jada's spreadsheet and, ideally, set up a signature for your posts with the type of insulin and meter you're using so that myself and other members replying to your posts can see this info straight away. It'll help us to make better suggestions and also save you having to answer questions about your meter and insulin types when you're looking for assistance. :)


Mogs
.
 
Last edited:
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Critter Mom said:
Hi James,

It's possible that the diet change may be affecting the nature of Jada's stool. The first thing to make sure of before starting a home treatment for constipation is to make sure that there is no obstruction in the gut (e.g. a 'stuck stool') otherwise any treatment could be the equivalent of building up pressure behind a dam. Keeping a record of how frequently your kitty is pooping helps but if you are at all unsure then a visit to the vet for an examination is indicated.

Once any possible obstruction has been ruled out then adding a little canned pure pumpkin (NOT the pie filling!) or psyllium husk can help. Also mixing a little Miralax into food can help draw water into the stool. It's important to go slow with the additions because a little can go a long way. There is lots of helpful information at the following site:

felineconstipation.org

I've just had a look at Jada's spreadsheet and seen the results of the curve you ran yesterday. Assuming that your spreadsheet is correct and the curve readings were on an Alphatrak then the current dose you're giving Jada is too high. The lower limit of the normal reference range on the Alphatrak is 68mg/dL. The 65 result indicates an immediate dose reduction is needed. The 55 and 53 readings are WAY too low.

If you have changed to a human meter since setting up the spreadsheet, the lower limit is 50mg/dL. If yesterday's readings were taken on a human meter then Jada is running very, very close to the threshold, and the curve results indicate that for Jada's safety closer monitoring of AM and PM nadir level is needed so that you will know when the dose needs to be reduced.

If you're using Vetsulin or Novolin N, or using Lantus/Levemir and following SLGS, then dose reductions are indicated at a higher nadir. I don't know which insulin you are using so can't point you to more specific information about dose adjustments.

When you have a minute, it would be a great help if you could add the name of Jada's insulin to Jada's spreadsheet and, ideally, set up a signature for your posts with the type of insulin and meter you're using so that myself and other members replying to your posts can see this info straight away. It'll help us to make better suggestions and also save you having to answer questions about your meter and insulin types when you're looking for assistance. :)


Mogs
.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information. I don't believe there is a blockage. Jada left a rather large package in the box a few minutes ago. The consistency could have been less firm.

We are new to the world of feline diabetes. After I ran the numbers yesterday we decided to lower her dose back to 1 unit twice a day from 1.5.

I will definitely the insulin and meter info to my signature
 
James Little said:
Jada left a rather large package in the box a few minutes ago.
Click to expand...
That's a promising sign, James! :D

Glad to hear you've reduced the dose. (((Jada)))

James Little said:
We are new to the world of feline diabetes.
Click to expand...
Once upon a time we all were, James, and the early days are really overwhelming but with a little bit of time it does become second nature. :) Be sure to post any time you have questions or things you're not sure about. We'll do all we can to help.


Mogs
.
 
Hi James it's important to get a pre shot # at night and a +2 at least to see if you will
need to monitor Jada any longer,most cats usually drop lower at night :cat:
Also are shots in the AM.
Is there a reason you can't get a test in during the morning
after her pre shot?
 
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Diane Tyler's Mom said:
Hi James it's important to get a pre shot # at night and a +2 at least to see if you will
need to monitor Jada any longer most cats usually drop lower at night :cat:
Also are shots in the AM.
Is there a reason you can't get a test in during the morning
after her pre shot?
Click to expand...

Working on that. Trouble is I am the one who does the testing. That means the AM test will be performed 3 hours before Jada eats, but that is the way it has to be. The most I can hope for is a early morning test 3 hours before eating, PM pre shot, and a +2 on days when I work. Another issue is I have to ambush the kitty to test her. She is now associating me with testing.
 
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