any tips on TUMMY MASSAGE to help Fred poop?

Fred is constipated again and I am trying to rub his lower abdomen to help get things moving. Does anyone know any rights or wrong about this? Any particular direction to in? How deep to push? Knead or circles? etc...


thanks!

 

If Fred has this trouble frequently, as mine does, I would suggest
miralax
tons of extra water in his food
lactated ringers SQ
vaseline by mouth
warm water enema

and very careful massage/pressure if you have to, being careful you are actually touching intestines and not kidneys etc. On Cody, the last bit of intestine seems to run along his spine, deep in his tummy. You might google search cat anatomy. There are lots of cat disections out there because many anatomy labs classes use cats instead of humans cadavers anymore

 

Not pooping in cats can be more serious than in humans -- we use home-remedies, they sometimes need to see a vet right away.

Before trying any home remedies, check for dehydration, and have your vet check for obstipation (blockage). Some remedies will make dehydration worse, some (like fiber) will make blockage worse.

 

It's safe feed Vaseline to cats????

 

Vaseline (white petrolatum) is the main ingredient in many of the hairball cures and treats. I don't like to use it a lot because it could decrease nutrients being absorbed but many here have used it.

These are 2 posts that you might find helpful :

The first one talks about constipation and has links to remedies
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3539

and the second talk about vaseline
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2980

 

One of our cats is diabetic, the other has chronic constipation. I very much doubt massage will have a significant effect on the constipation. There are many ways of treating this, depending on the cause. Does your cat have megacolon? Is there an underlying condition causing the constipation? Are you dealing with a motility problem, and perhaps need medication for the motility?

Just remember that, the longer the stool remains inside the intestine, the harder it becomes, because the intestines will continue absorbing moisture from the poop. The harder the stool becomes, the more difficult it becomes to move. It's a vicious cycle. SQ fluids really do seem to help, but need to be used in conjunction with stool softeners (e.g. Miralax / Kristalose / polyethylene glycol) and, often, in conjunction with motility aids as well (e.g. Cisapride). There is also lubiprostone, which is both a motility agent and stool softener in one.

However, if the constipation is very severe, starting to use a motility agent without first clearing out the blockage (e.g. enema) could cause further problems, not to mention severe pain.

Getting enough liquid into your kitty is half the battle. Wet food is best and SQ fluids are amazing.