3.6 Nelli AMPS 401 cannot poop. Hungry. Constipated. Plz help.

Nelli has not been In the red since 8/9/18!
I’m scared and don’t know what to do.
I dread loading her up, take to vet.
Last time, it was suggested she see Dr. ___ an IM vet.
God knows, this little girl has seen too many Vets and too often results unknown!?!!
I hope someone can guide me :bighug:
 
Krystina & Nelli said:
Anyone know anything about Megacolon? My research led me to this...
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Yes I had one kitty with megacolon. We had to give him enema regularly at home and once in a while take him to the vet for him to empty under anesthesia. This had to be done a couple times a year. At one point, we went for surgery to remove part of the colon and my kitty was happy again! Good luck!
 
The Vet cannot see her until 4:30p. Why the hIgH, HIGH BG?
This time I am
She had her 2u (401BG!)... I will test her in 2.5 hours. Reason being, Nelli never onset’s until about +2.5/3... No test sooner unless recommenced.otherwise.
 
I see Nelli had an enema a few days ago.
When was the last time she pooped.

I don't have experience with megacolon, but I remember one member here whose kitty was getting constipated regularly (megacolon was suspected, and I think eventually diagnosed) and needing intervention from the vet. She managed to keep it under control, by primarily making sure that kitty stayed well hydrated, add water to food, or even subq.
I understand that elanapril can increase their Pee output, so perhaps dehydration is an issue, dehydration can lead to constipation. I seem to remember reading that with Miralax you need to make sure they are getting enough fluids.

High numbers are likely a result of the discomfort of the constipation, just ask @Bobbie And Bubba Bubbas numbers rise when he has pooping issues.

Do you use pumkin as well? some folk find that it can also help.
 
Gill & George said:
perhaps dehydration is an issue, dehydration can lead to constipation. I seem to remember reading that with Miralax you need to make sure they are getting enough fluids.
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Thanks Gill.
Nelli, I make sure by adding extra water (she likes soupy) to her raw chic and Darwin foods, is drinking good amounts of water. The peeing is not excessive-
Last time poop. She spends her days outside and I am either not home to monitor or if home, do not observe her all day. Could be 3+ days?
I suspected BG @ 400 was a result of not feeling well. In the past when she hasn’t felt well, to extent we travelled to Vet (same issue) her BG were never elevated? In lies my worry.
Thanks again for checking in :bighug:
 
Hi Krystina. Constipation without a doubt will cause the BG's to rise, always does to Bubba. I can't read your SS really well because for some reason, the cells are partially cut off.

When was the enema? The last day of Feb when you went to the vet? Try giving her a 1/2 to 1 tsp of coconut oil. That helps to get them moving also.

When they get constipated they get nauseas. Have you tried some SEB mixed with George's Aloe vera juice? A 1/4 tsp of SEB mixed in 1/2 tsp of AVJ or water if you don't have the AVJ and make a little sticky ball and then put 1/2 at a time onto the roof of her mouth. That helps with nausea. I was instructed to give 1/2 hour before you need her to eat.

Usually pure meat baby food will get Bubba eating again and sprinkles of Florti Flora.

Have you tried to use egg yolk powder? I use it daily for both cats as it helps with gut motility ( and hairballs) and if mega colon is an issue, it helps that. Forrest is heading towards mega colon. So, I give him the EY powder and 1/4 tsp of miralax twice a day. It keeps him moving even though the movement is softer and messy, but when I cut backed off the miralax he had a blockage of 7 -8 inches of poop in his colon and he had to be sedated and the feces at the back door had to be evacuated with forceps, poor guy. After that, he was given an enema and he was able to pass the rest at home, but oh what a mess. The soft stuff leaked out of him for more than 24 hours.

Keep adding water to her food that she does eat to help her staying hydrated.
 
Thanks Paul :) :cat:.
I guess her not being able to see Vet until +9.5 is ok?
I will get lactulose- it was mentioned last time we were there. I didn’t positively respond, decided to stick with Miralax. Try to minimize rx drugs I give her.

@Bronx's dad, just started Nelli on Adequin. She got third injection last night- Vet prescribed (see below) after my research I have done different: 30u max on insulin syringe, (haven’t bought correct syringe yet) and 2x week for two weeks then once week for two weeks then will once a month. Could my changing dosing be hurting her...
 

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Bobbie And Bubba said:
Hi Krystina. Constipation without a doubt will cause the BG's to rise, always does to Bubba. I can't read your SS really well because for some reason, the cells are partially cut off.

When was the enema? The last day of Feb when you went to the vet? Try giving her a 1/2 to 1 tsp of coconut oil. That helps to get them moving also.

When they get constipated they get nauseas. Have you tried some SEB mixed with George's Aloe vera juice? A 1/4 tsp of SEB mixed in 1/2 tsp of AVJ or water if you don't have the AVJ and make a little sticky ball and then put 1/2 at a time onto the roof of her mouth. That helps with nausea. I was instructed to give 1/2 hour before you need her to eat.

Usually pure meat baby food will get Bubba eating again and sprinkles of Florti Flora.

Have you tried to use egg yolk powder? I use it daily for both cats as it helps with gut motility ( and hairballs) and if mega colon is an issue, it helps that. Forrest is heading towards mega colon. So, I give him the EY powder and 1/4 tsp of miralax twice a day. It keeps him moving even though the movement is softer and messy, but when I cut backed off the miralax he had a blockage of 7 -8 inches of poop in his colon and he had to be sedated and the feces at the back door had to be evacuated with forceps, poor guy. After that, he was given an enema and he was able to pass the rest at home, but oh what a mess. The soft stuff leaked out of him for more than 24 hours.

Keep adding water to her food that she does eat to help her staying hydrated.
Click to expand...
Bobbi,
Thanks.
My SS. Don’t know what is going on. I don’t like it, it’s disabling to me too.
Did talk to Marje about... this seems to be a new issue?!? I will follow up with her.

Yes, last enama was 2/28. Heck, I don’t even know if she’s poop since then!?!
Have good unrefined coconut oil. Will give now. How do I get this down her? Warm, solidify up and mix with Churu treat... hope she will eat?
It is in solid form now.
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
Hi Krystina. Constipation without a doubt will cause the BG's to rise, always does to Bubba. I can't read your SS really well because for some reason, the cells are partially cut off.

When was the enema? The last day of Feb when you went to the vet? Try giving her a 1/2 to 1 tsp of coconut oil. That helps to get them moving also.

When they get constipated they get nauseas. Have you tried some SEB mixed with George's Aloe vera juice? A 1/4 tsp of SEB mixed in 1/2 tsp of AVJ or water if you don't have the AVJ and make a little sticky ball and then put 1/2 at a time onto the roof of her mouth. That helps with nausea. I was instructed to give 1/2 hour before you need her to eat.

Usually pure meat baby food will get Bubba eating again and sprinkles of Florti Flora.

Have you tried to use egg yolk powder? I use it daily for both cats as it helps with gut motility ( and hairballs) and if mega colon is an issue, it helps that. Forrest is heading towards mega colon. So, I give him the EY powder and 1/4 tsp of miralax twice a day. It keeps him moving even though the movement is softer and messy, but when I cut backed off the miralax he had a blockage of 7 -8 inches of poop in his colon and he had to be sedated and the feces at the back door had to be evacuated with forceps, poor guy. After that, he was given an enema and he was able to pass the rest at home, but oh what a mess. The soft stuff leaked out of him for more than 24 hours.

Keep adding water to her food that she does eat to help her staying hydrated.
Click to expand...
I just gave her 1/2 to 1 tea. Coconut oil mixed in Churu (her fave :cat:)... she licked bowl clean :).
And so now I pray this helps get her going soon.
 
Krystina & Nelli said:
just started Nelli on Adequin. She got third injection last night- Vet prescribed (see below) after my research I have done different: 30u max on insulin syringe, (haven’t bought correct syringe yet) and 2x week for two weeks then once week for two weeks then will once a month. Could my changing dosing be hurting her...
Click to expand...

Adequan does not affect BG, but insulin needles are way too thin and can cause bruising by trying to shoot a thicker liquid through such a small hole.
 
Gill & George said:
Hi I've been looking at starting this for George, I was a little concerned about using it because I didn't fancy the intramuscular shot, but as I understand it can be given subq. I just wondered what you were doing? Because it says intramuscular on the label.
Click to expand...
I know lots of people that have given adequan sub-q with their vet’s knowledge and they felt it helped.

If you feel she’s in more distress I would go to the ER or to your vet’s office and sit in the waiting room until they see her. I can’t believe they wouldn’t fit him in. :bighug:
 
Gill & George said:
Hi I've been looking at starting this for George, I was a little concerned about using it because I didn't fancy the intramuscular shot, but as I understand it can be given subq. I just wondered what you were doing? Because it says intramuscular on the label.
Click to expand...
Giving subq. Minus this SLUG obstruction today, i was seeing signs of improvement in her activity level. Today and tomorrow i believed were going to "look" really good.
Oh well. Poor, poor little girl- she is SoooSo uncomfortable and bloated :(, hasn't been able to sleep or eat all day.
Vet appointment at 4:30- vet running behind schedule, advised we'll need to wait a while...
Hope George is doing okay
 
tiffmaxee said:
If you feel she’s in more distress I would go to the ER or to your vet’s office and sit in the waiting room until they see her. I can’t believe they wouldn’t fit him in. :bighug:
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@tiffmaxee She is and I’ve been conflicted as what to do all day. Just don’t feel ER (hours of wait8ng and 20,000,000 later) is right way-
Wish I would have seen your post earlier, would have done just that gone to vet and sat there. This vet has her nose a little out of whack with me. Me not Nelli, right?! So we will get there around 4:30 and wait. Was told she’s got a involved appointment at both 3:30 and 4.
 
Bronx's dad said:
Adequan does not affect BG, but insulin needles are way too thin and can cause bruising by trying to shoot a thicker liquid through such a small hole.
Click to expand...
Ok. Was given a 3ml (fat!) syringe by pharmacist. Spent a lot of time researching conversions- confused, deciding to use the 30 unit insulin syringe. I discovered this morning that I need a one unit syringe. What do you use for Bronx? Nelli is a little over 15 pounds and I was thinking about giving her 37 ML‘s? Does that sound right to you
 
Krystina & Nelli said:
Ok. Was given a 3ml (fat!) syringe by pharmacist. Spent a lot of time researching conversions- confused, deciding to use the 30 unit insulin syringe. I discovered this morning that I need a one unit syringe. What do you use for Bronx? Nelli is a little over 15 pounds and I was thinking about giving her 37 ML‘s? Does that sound right to you
Click to expand...

You must mean .37ml? I give Bronx .4ml. Needle I use is a B-D 1ml 25g 5/8"
 
Krystina & Nelli said:
involved appointment at both 3:30 and 4.
Click to expand...
Oh boy. When we arrived, the 4p euthanasia :oops: appointment was still n parking lot trying to get the dog out of little Honda Element. They had to bring a stretcher out :(. This is terribly upsetting to me. I went inside, to bathroom and cried deeply. I hate hospitals. Rare to see me there- always seems to be a code 11, doctors and nurses running thru hall. I guess I am a bit sensitive and a bit emotional- definitely when it comes to these things.
Nelli and I are sitting outside in vehicle. No Way in hell I would be in there during this-small practice, three rooms that’s all.
I will be back in touch later- a few hours :), with report on Nelli.
 
I hope the vet can help her today. My vet taught me how to feel the abdomen. This is very good to learn if you have frequent constipation problems. You can learn to feel both amount and hardness (which is key to resolve constipation correctly). It takes time to learn, but can be very helpful.

One more thing, depending on the problem, multiple enemas can be required to resolve it. It sounds like the recent enema may not have completely resolved it.

Anyone struggling with constipation should keep felineconstipation.org handy as a reference.
 
I have been down this route with other cats and the following approach worked for us:
Give subq ringers morning and evening for the first 2 days (100 ml each dose for an average size cat) and then at least 100ml subq each day for at least 5 days to make sure the dehydration is past. Your cat is dehydrated. When the condition arises they stop drinking enough fluids.
Nothing goes in the front until the rear is open.
Usually, a warm water enema will solve that problem. You need to get the tube at least up to the obstruction, if not past it. The vet may add some stool softener to the water. I have found that if the obstruction doesn't clear within an hour, I do it again. Never had to do a third. They often clear spectacularly so be prepared. This can easily be done at home as needed. Initially, you may need to have someone hold the cat while you work the business in the rear. But I've found that the profound relief the enema gives quickly makes the cat easier to work with after the first couple of applications. They learn this makes them feel better.
Give Miralax with food to keep things open until the issue is resolved.
You don't want the impaction to stay in any longer than possible as it will distend the lower colon and cause megacolon.
Appetite quickly returns once the rear is open for business.

You may have to keep feeding the miralax with every meal to keep things flowing and occasional subq fluids as well as a preventive. Monitoring your cat is key. If your cat has developed magacolon, you will be buying a lot of miralax and may become a pro at subq fluids and feline enemas.

With subq fluids, I have found that a 20 gauge needle pricks the same as a 18 gauge. But you can push 3X as much fluid. Most cats I've had to do this to, don't like it and the less time the better. Merlin HATES subq fluids and taking only a few minutes to give his 100ml vs 10 or more minutes with a smaller needle (flow rate will vary depending on the needle placement). Also, make sure the Ringers bag is at least 3' above the cat or the flow will be slow unless you squeeze the bag (which I never do).

The vet can advise on what's best for your situation and the best Miralax dose. Enemas are actually quite easy to give so long as the kitty isn't trying to kill you.
Good Luck
 
Steve & Merlin said:
I have been down this route with other cats and the following approach worked for us:
Give subq ringers morning and evening for the first 2 days (100 ml each dose for an average size cat) and then at least 100ml subq each day for at least 5 days to make sure the dehydration is past. Your cat is dehydrated. When the condition arises they stop drinking enough fluids.
Nothing goes in the front until the rear is open.
Usually, a warm water enema will solve that problem. You need to get the tube at least up to the obstruction, if not past it. The vet may add some stool softener to the water. I have found that if the obstruction doesn't clear within an hour, I do it again. Never had to do a third. They often clear spectacularly so be prepared. This can easily be done at home as needed. Initially, you may need to have someone hold the cat while you work the business in the rear. But I've found that the profound relief the enema gives quickly makes the cat easier to work with after the first couple of applications. They learn this makes them feel better.
Give Miralax with food to keep things open until the issue is resolved.
You don't want the impaction to stay in any longer than possible as it will distend the lower colon and cause megacolon.
Appetite quickly returns once the rear is open for business.

You may have to keep feeding the miralax with every meal to keep things flowing and occasional subq fluids as well as a preventive. Monitoring your cat is key. If your cat has developed magacolon, you will be buying a lot of miralax and may become a pro at subq fluids and feline enemas.

With subq fluids, I have found that a 20 gauge needle pricks the same as a 18 gauge. But you can push 3X as much fluid. Most cats I've had to do this to, don't like it and the less time the better. Merlin HATES subq fluids and taking only a few minutes to give his 100ml vs 10 or more minutes with a smaller needle (flow rate will vary depending on the needle placement). Also, make sure the Ringers bag is at least 3' above the cat or the flow will be slow unless you squeeze the bag (which I never do).

The vet can advise on what's best for your situation and the best Miralax dose. Enemas are actually quite easy to give so long as the kitty isn't trying to kill you.
Good Luck
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I’m not sure that much fluid is advisable with a heart condition.
 
Missed the heart condition. But as I said, the vet needs to weigh in on what is best. None of my cats have had heart conditions. I had one who had kidney disease and would clear fluids so quickly, his drinking could not keep up and he would get dehydrated and constipated. Another cat had true megacolon. The described treatment worked well for them to keep hydrated and usually passing poop. Worked for years until old age took over.

Miralax is an alternative approach to lactulose without the cramping and bloating. Never had those issues with Miralax. My cats hated lactulose and dosing properly was real iffy. Miralax was easy and worked wonders. But it may not be appropriate for Nelli.
 
Steve & Merlin said:
Missed the heart condition. But as I said, the vet needs to weigh in on what is best. None of my cats have had heart conditions. I had one who had kidney disease and would clear fluids so quickly, his drinking could not keep up and he would get dehydrated and constipated. Another cat had true megacolon. The described treatment worked well for them to keep hydrated and usually passing poop. Worked for years until old age took over.

Miralax is an alternative approach to lactulose without the cramping and bloating. Never had those issues with Miralax. My cats hated lactulose and dosing properly was real iffy. Miralax was easy and worked wonders. But it may not be appropriate for Nelli.
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A cat with a creatinine over 3.5, with CKD, cannot likely hydrate itself enough and would potentially need subq fluids which is different for a cat with constipation. Cats need to get as much hydration from their food and water that they drink; subqs should not be a daily thing unless the cat has CKD or needs the support as prescribed by the vet. Even cats without heart issues can become overhydrated by giving subq fluids too often or at too much of a level.

You might want to read this information regarding hydration in constipated cats. A friend of mine is the writer of this site and she has more experience with constipated cats than any layperson, and most vets, I know. As with people, the issue is not necessarily dehydration but the inability of the stool to uptake water.
 
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Marje and Gracie said:
read this information regarding hydration in constipated cats. A friend of mine is the writer of this site and she has more experience with constipated cats than any layperson, and most vets, I know. As with people, the issue is not necessarily dehydration but the inability of the stool to uptake water.
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@Marje and Gracie YOU are a special blessing to all, here at FDMB. Take these words to heart.
Nelli and I cannot (ever) thank you ENOUGH for sharing link to felineconstipation.org along with so much other of you, you've selflessly shared :bighug: (yes, you are a pain in my ass sometimes) :mad:... :kiss:
Anyone who has (even) remotely experienced constipation with there kitty would be remiss not to read this incredibly valuable, expertly written information on the understanding of constipation in cats... I can't thank you again too much for sharing this. Muah :bighug:
 
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Carol in Chicago said:
Anyone struggling with constipation should keep felineconstipation.org handy as a reference.
Click to expand...
@Carol in Chicago thank you so much for mentioning felineconstipation.org'
I sm reading back through these post of last night and realize that i zipped right past this mention from you :confused:. Oops sorry. Thanks, I appreciate :bighug:
How in the heck are you?
Haven't seen you for a while-
 
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