confused - Pepto? Metamucil? good or bad?

[houghtam]

Hardey's BG numbers have been great, but his IBD is getting worse. His diarrea is out of control. I have read on this site and the web differing opinions on pepto and Metamucil. Some use them and others won't. I have put 1/8 of a tablet of pepto in his food twice a week for the past month, but have been scared everytime I did it. The vet told me to try it since she is out of ideas, but to be careful because of the aspirin toxicity. Doesn't seem to be helping though.

How about Metamucil? Does it work? Is it dangerous? Hardey is about 15 pounds. How much would I give?

He hates the forti-flora... I don't think plain yogurt will work, he's got such a sensitive tummy I'd hate to see what would happen if he has a dairy problem.

HELP! I'm at my wits end... poor guy, I feel so bad for him.

 

[BJM]

Ask the vet about Carafate. It is used in humans to bind with damaged mucosa and protect it from ulceration. I don't know if it is OK for cats.

Pop over to Feline CRF and read how they use slippery elm bark for renal kitties with GI upset.

I have heard that plain aloe juice may be helpful.

This Yahoo group may be helpful: Feline IBD

 

[sophie]

Hi,
following up on BJ's comment on Aloe juice: about 1 or 1 1/2 y. ago, there was a member on this board who was involved with many kitties with pancreatitis. She treated them successfully with 100% pure Aloe Vera juice - she always underlined the fact that she did not mean the jelly stuff. She would start with 1/8 teaspoon placed directly in their food or mouth twice a day. She increased the dose, as needed. Eventually, she even converted her skeptical vet that this process was effective. If you search this forum, you'll probably find the thread. I'm hopeless at searching.
Best wishes,
Sophie

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Carafate is commonly used in cats (and dogs). Give one hour before feeding.

 

[houghtam]

Thanks for all your help! I knew you guys would have some good ideas! I've got them all written down and am taking them to the vet tomorrow.

 

[onyxinky]

I definitely second the Sucralfate (carafate) as I am using it right now in my cat. She has been on it for just about 3 weeks now. This drug is only recommended for up to 4-6 weeks because the base of the medicine is aluminum. This is a great medicine though!!! My cat is on chronic steroids which give her ulcers and she feels so much better with this and I don't hear her stomach sounds all the time.

One tip I have with this. With this medication, you mix with water first. What I do is I mix with water in the syringe by shaking (use warm water as it mixes faster) and then I actually put the dose in two of the #2 size gelatin capsules and then pill-pop them into her mouth that way. Avoids her drooling from it and the gelatin capsules dissolve quick enough in the stomach that the sucralfate still coats the stomach.

Hope this helps your cat!

 

[houghtam]

Glad to hear about the Sucralfate. His poo has been better today. Not sure what makes today different than the past few weeks, same food, etc. I left a message for the vet, she usually gets back to us after office hours. Should hear something soon. Thanks for the help.