Gobbles GI Issue: WE HAVE POO !!!

[TheBowHuntress]

Hey everyone,

I'm still battling with Gobbles' GI problems (liquid diarrhea & diminished appetite) and I read somewhere that high fat content may upset a kitty's belly so I am thinking about trying some wet foods with a lower fat content (and low carb) than he's been getting. The one thing I really noticed is that a lot of the lower fat foods have a higher carb content, and as in Gobbles is OTJ, I don't want to risk another FD journey. I don't think it would be a good idea to introduce any with seafood, though, because I've read that that also can cause GI problems in cats, especially if given to the often.

I perused Dr. Lisa's chart and found the following to be lower fat and low carb, and will list same as: brand, variety - protein/fat/carbs. For the Merrick varieties, I have no idea what type of meat is in them, as the name of the variety does not evidence same. If anyone can add to the list and/or their recommendations for low fat, non-seafood, low carb foods, I would be appreciative At this point, I am not yet going to try raw foods.

MERRICK Granny's Pot Pie - 50/42/8 (meat?)
MERRICK Cowboy Cookout - 52/42/5 (meat?)
PROPLAN Chunky Chicken - 50/44/5
PROPLAN Turkey & Giblets - 50/43/7
FANCY FEAST Chunky Chicken - 51/44/5
FANCY FEAST Chunky Turkey - 50/43/7

ETA TUESDAY 9/10/13--PLEASE SEE MY LAST RESPONSE BELOW...

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

I cant help with advice except to say I trust Dr Lisa...
So sorry Gobbles stil,is having issues. I keep you guys in my prayers.
jeanne

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

I cant help with advice except to say I trust Dr Lisa...
So sorry Gobbles stil,is having issues. I keep you guys in my prayers.
jeanne

Thanks so much, Jeanne Yup, I trust her, too! I actually went to a pet specialty store today, and the lady there sold me a can of "Fruitables" --http://www.fruitablespetfood.com/fruitables_digestive_supplement.html which is a digestive supplement with pumpkin; she said to give Gobbles 1 teaspoon a day. It contains pumpkin and ginger, among other things. I mixed a teaspoon in his food and he ate it!!! The website reads:

"Nature's perfect little tummy helper for:

Upset Tummy
Loose Stool
Food Transition
Weight Loss (Only 68 Cal/Cup)"

Paws crossed that this, along with ProPlan Chunky Chicken, helps him!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Had you tried plain old pumpkin or baby food squash for the loose stools? It looks like the stuff you bought was basically just pumpkin but I bet a can of Libby's is a lot cheaper...lol

Sending good firm poopy vines to Gobbles

 

[KPassa]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Not sure if you've seen my sorted version of Dr. Lisa's list, but it's sorted by carbs first and then protein/fat ratio (I created an extra column to help easily spot the higher protein foods). Mikey does best on the foods over 50% protein:fat.

 

[Karen & Angus(GA)]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

The ProPlan and Fancy Feast varieties you listed contain wheat gluten which many cats have problems with.

Merricks Grammy's Pot Pie ingredients are:
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Liver, Fresh Red Jacket New Potatoes, Fresh Carrots, Fresh Snow Peas, Fresh Whole Red Delicious Apples, Potato Starch-modified, Olive Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Cassia Gum, Carrageenan, Flax Seed Oil (For Omega -3), Poultry Seasoning (Thyme, Sage, Rosemary) Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Complex,d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Lecithin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Cobalt Glucoheptanate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin,Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite.

Cowboy Cookout ingredients are:
Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Fresh Sweet Potato, Fresh Carrots, Fresh Snow Peas, Fresh Whole Granny Smith Apples, Potato Starch-modified, Dried Egg, Dried Blueberry, Dried Cranberry, Olive Oil, Flax Seed Oil (For Omega -3), Cassia Gum, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Natural Carmel color, Salt, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Complex, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Lecithin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Cobalt Glucoheptanate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite.

 

[HeidiandMax]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Hi Kat,

I'm sorry to see that you are struggling with GI issues with Gobbles. I'm not a frequent contributor here, but I am a constant lurker. I deal with several health issues with my boy, Max, which include IBD, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, early CKD, and now diabetes again (went OTJ within 3 weeks, but out of remission after a severe IBD or pancreatitis flare up).
I've had a difficult time finding foods that are lower in fat and low carb. I used ibdkitties.net for food recommendations and cross referenced it with Dr. Pierson's food chart. I also stay away from fish, beef, and wheat gluten. Merrick's is a good choice (my boy, unfortunately vomited on it). You can check out Merricks' web site for a list of ingredients. Novel proteins are also a good choice if Gobbles is reacting to his food. He may have developed an intolerance to his former food. I always make slow food transitions (too fast can also cause tummy aches). Please also check out felineibd1@yahoogroups.com and Feline_Pancreatitis_Support@yahoogroups.com for more information. I'm not saying Gobbles has either of these, however, his symptoms are common ones I see on these groups. If anything, you can get good suggestions for how to treat the inappetence and diarrhea.
My boy's symptoms include inappetence and vomiting. I use Cerenia (for nausea, which often causes kitties to avoid eating). I order it online for a cheaper price, however, it does require a vet prescription. He also takes 1/4 Pepcid AD (regular strength) in the a.m. and p.m.

Hopefully that helps!

Hugs!!
Heidi

 

[BJM]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Additionally, per Cat Info, you may replace 1/5th of a canned food with plain meat or poultry and further tip the food towards a higher protein, lower fat balance, without adding more carbs.

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Had you tried plain old pumpkin or baby food squash for the loose stools? It looks like the stuff you bought was basically just pumpkin but I bet a can of Libby's is a lot cheaper...lol

Sending good firm poopy vines to Gobbles

Thanks Chris! Yes, I've tried both of those. For whatever reason, he rejects them. The only way I'd get either of those in him would be with a feeding syringe, so I decided to give the Fruitables a try (only $3.49 for a 15 ounce can). The Libby's All Natural 100% Pure Pumpkin 15 ounce can was $5.25. I mixed the Fruitables in his food and he gobbled it up! There are some other ingredients, so hopefully they'll make this product even better for diarrhea. It's a large can, with about 25 kitty-size (I gave him his first teaspoon-size serving from the can) servings, then froze the rest in two ice cube trays.

The ingredients are:

Harvest fresh pumpkin, apple pumace, spinach, tomato pomace, choline chloride, ginger, spearmint, ground flax seed, cinnamon, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), folic acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B12 supplement.

And the site promotes:

* Made in the USA
* High fiber increases feeling of satiety (fullness)
* Balanced palatability, advanced nutrition and calorie control
* Adds outrageously great taste
* A healthy alternative to gravies
* Loved by finicky eaters
* A natural indulgence for your pet that helps you "love life together"
* Helps with sensitive digestion.

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Not sure if you've seen my sorted version of Dr. Lisa's list, but it's sorted by carbs first and then protein/fat ratio (I created an extra column to help easily spot the higher protein foods). Mikey does best on the foods over 50% protein:fat.

Thanks Kay! Great resource!! Today I've given him the Merrick Grammy's Pot Pie and plan on doing so for a few days. From your list:

Merrick Grammy's Pot Pie: 50% protein, 42% fat, 8% carbs, 0.97 phosphorus and 152 calories

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Thank you for the ingredients!

You wrote:

The ProPlan and Fancy Feast varieties you listed contain wheat gluten which many cats have problems with.

I gave him the ProPlan yesterday and he vomited, which he hasn't done for over a week. You may be onto something regarding wheat gluten; when you said "...can have problems..." does that include vomiting? Also, I note from the ingredients in Grammy Pot Pie, and the Fruitables, that they include a B12 supplement; could that help with his inappetence and/or diarrhea?
[/b]

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

...I deal with several health issues with my boy, Max, which include IBD, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, early CKD, and now diabetes again (went OTJ within 3 weeks, but out of remission after a severe IBD or pancreatitis flare up)... Merrick's is a good choice (my boy, unfortunately vomited on it)...Novel proteins are also a good choice if Gobbles is reacting to his food. He may have developed an intolerance to his former food. I always make slow food transitions (too fast can also cause tummy aches). Please also check out felineibd1@yahoogroups.com and Feline_Pancreatitis_Support@yahoogroups.com for more information. I'm not saying Gobbles has either of these, however, his symptoms are common ones I see on these groups. If anything, you can get good suggestions for how to treat the inappetence and diarrhea... He also takes 1/4 Pepcid AD (regular strength) in the a.m. and p.m.

Thanks Heidi! I started browsing the felineibd1 group and found one user whose cat got uncontrolled diarrhea due to flagyl--Gobbles is on his 18th dose of flagyl; perhaps it's time to end it (he only has 2 doses left)? With regard to pancreatitis--Gobbles always had gotten belly rubs and to this day the "flips" when lying down and allows me to rub his belly; do you think he'd still want belly rubs if he has pancreatitis? I haven't seen him "meatloafing" at all. With regard to you mentioning Pepcid AD: I've been giving him the generic Famotidine (transdermally) for a few days now. I thought I'd give the Merrick a try, so he will be eating Grammy Pot Pie for 2 days at least (which is a food he's never eaten). How long does it take from whatever was being fed to "clear their system" ; Is 2 days long enough eating a different food (Grammy Pot Pie, in Gobbles case) to see if it's made a difference (I noticed you said to make slow food transistions)?

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Additionally, per Cat Info, you may replace 1/5th of a canned food with plain meat or poultry and further tip the food towards a higher protein, lower fat balance, without adding more carbs.

Thanks BJ! I bought the chicken-only variety of the Fancy Feast Appetizers as they are chicken only and have a lot of liquid in them (which in the past, I've added water to, so he gets even more moisture). I can mix it in his food or give it to him solely. Would that qualify as "plain meat...poultry"?

 

[Karen & Angus(GA)]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Thank you for the ingredients!

You wrote:

The ProPlan and Fancy Feast varieties you listed contain wheat gluten which many cats have problems with.

I gave him the ProPlan yesterday and he vomited, which he hasn't done for over a week. You may be onto something regarding wheat gluten; when you said "...can have problems..." does that include vomiting?

Yes. The two most common symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting. Have you tried an elimination diet?

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Thank you for the ingredients!

You wrote:

The ProPlan and Fancy Feast varieties you listed contain wheat gluten which many cats have problems with.

I gave him the ProPlan yesterday and he vomited, which he hasn't done for over a week. You may be onto something regarding wheat gluten; when you said "...can have problems..." does that include vomiting?

Yes. The two most common symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting. Have you tried an elimination diet?

I did, but the problem is, that I didn't know about the wheat gluten thing. I tried it with Friskies, Fancy Feast and Royal Canin. How long should I keep him on his "new" food (Merrick Grammy Pot Pie) That is, what are the rules of the "elimination diet"? Also, I was going to offer the chicken-only FF Appetizer to add bulk and moisture; should that be included?

 

[Karen & Angus(GA)]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

I did, but the problem is, that I didn't know about the wheat gluten thing. I tried it with Friskies, Fancy Feast and Royal Canin. How long should I keep him on his "new" food (Merrick Grammy Pot Pie) That is, what are the rules of the "elimination diet"? Also, I was going to offer the chicken-only FF Appetizer to add bulk and moisture; should that be included?

Here is a link to an explanation of the elimination diet: DIY elimination diet

You need to pick a protein Gobbles has not eaten before. Duck, rabbit, lamb, venison are good choices. I tried duck, then rabbit first for Minou, but she really vomited with duck and wouldn't eat the rabbit. So, I used venison and fed her Nature's Variety vension, ZiwiPeak venison, and some Hill's d/d venison. I was warned by my vet that some cats who are sensitive to beef will also react to venison. You need to feed ONLY that protein for at least 8 weeks. If that eliminates the symptoms, you can then start adding proteins back one at a time to see what causes the problem. In Minou's case, the elimination diet did not help and we had biopsies done. She has IBD that seems to be unrelated to food choice.

Edited to add - you cannot use any food with by-products or animal digest as they may contain any protein source. I think that makes all of the Friskies and FF varieties off limits.

 

[BJM]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

...I bought the chicken-only variety of the Fancy Feast Appetizers as they are chicken only and have a lot of liquid in them (which in the past, I've added water to, so he gets even more moisture). I can mix it in his food or give it to him solely. Would that qualify as "plain meat...poultry"?

Yes, I believe it would.

Unless he is dehydrated, I wouldn't add more water. It might be contributing to the diarrhea via water overload.

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

...I bought the chicken-only variety of the Fancy Feast Appetizers as they are chicken only and have a lot of liquid in them (which in the past, I've added water to, so he gets even more moisture). I can mix it in his food or give it to him solely. Would that qualify as "plain meat...poultry"?

Yes, I believe it would.

Unless he is dehydrated, I wouldn't add more water. It might be contributing to the diarrhea via water overload.

Okay, thanks BJ. Excuse the pun, but you may agree that I'm a bit anal about the fear of dehydration. I'm wondering if I should stop the pedialyte???

 

[BJM]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

If he isn't showing signs of dehydration, he may not need it.

Sometimes less is more.

 

[HeidiandMax]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Hi Kat,

Here's the crazy thing about pancreatitis....my cat's fPLI tests always come back anywhere from 10 to 30 (normal range is >3.5). He never appears in pain, has his belly palpitated at the vet's office with no reaction, no meatloafing. He's never been into belly rubs so I don't know about that. I know cats are masterful at covering pain, but I sure couldn't say he suffers from pain. However, there are many cats on the Pancreatitis Support site that have MUCH lower fPLI results than Max that have severe symptoms and pain. Therefore, they say "treat the symptoms and not the numbers." ECID! So, could Gobbles still have pancreatitis? I wouldn't rule it out, however, I would I'd be more inclined to look at food reactions right now.

I transition food over the course of a week. As long as there is no adverse reaction to the food it could take as long as 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes 8) to see if it clears the issues.

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

...Here's the crazy thing about pancreatitis....my cat's fPLI tests always come back anywhere from 10 to 30 (normal range is >3.5)...So, could Gobbles still have pancreatitis?

Thanks Heidi! Gosh, I would love to get a fPLI test for Gobbles, but at this time we have absolutely no room in our budget for it :-( I'm sure with the vet visit, plus the test, the cost may be about $200

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

... He never appears in pain, has his belly palpitated at the vet's office with no reaction, no meatloafing. He's never been into belly rubs so I don't know about that. I know cats are masterful at covering pain, but I sure couldn't say he suffers from pain....

Well, he could be in pain....as you stated, they are masterful at covering it...I wonder if that's so we don't worry??

 

[HeidiandMax]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Ha! I worry anyway!! :lol:

I don't think you necessarily need a fPLI test right now. It would confirm pancreatitis, however, as they say on the support group sites, "treat the symptoms and not the numbers".

I want to quickly address the hydration issue. I've never used Pedialyte and don't know anyone who has so I have no opinion about using it. I am, however, paranoid about hydration when vomiting and diarrhea are involved. I always add a couple of tablespoons of water to Max's food, but he is also a CRF kitty so water is always a part of our regimine. But that's just my experience. I also check for dehydration daily using the tent method. There are people on the support group sites that check the slickness of their kitty's gums, but since I'm already tenting for an insulin shot I get double duty from it.

I also want to add that I keep a journal about all medications given, food changes, reactions, observations, etc. With all the things I have to keep in my head it helps eliminate some of the "fog".

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

...I don't think you necessarily need a fPLI test right now. It would confirm pancreatitis, however, as they say on the support group sites, "treat the symptoms and not the numbers"..... I've never used Pedialyte and don't know anyone who has so I have no opinion about using it. I am, however, paranoid about hydration when vomiting and diarrhea are involved...

I also want to add that I keep a journal about all medications given, food changes, reactions, observations, etc. With all the things I have to keep in my head it helps eliminate some of the "fog".

Well, now I believe his belly IS hurting him. He did his little "flip" while laying down, exposing his belly. I slowly rubbed it and he hissed/clawed at me when I was about midway on the belly....sigh With regard to Pedialyte: BJM is familiar with it; I had originally found the idea to give it to him while googling "feline dehydration home remedies". I have been adding water to Gobbles' wet food since I found out he had FD and the good people here at FDMB enlightened me to the importance of doing so He passed the tent/gum test today; I've been doing so once a day. I have decided not to give the Pedialyte unless he might actually be in danger of dehydration (and/or fails a test). I don't keep a journal, per se, but have been keeping track of food changes, etc. on his SS. So, back to his belly possibly bothering him: Now I really am at a loss... :-(

 

[HeidiandMax]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Just in case...check out Marje's Primer on Pancreatitis. It's excellent! I found the link in Sienne's reply to Michele&Molly, "Just diagnosed with pancreatitis."

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Just in case...check out Marje's Primer on Pancreatitis. It's excellent! I found the link in Sienne's reply to Michele&Molly, "Just diagnosed with pancreatitis."

Thanks for the idea Heidi! Wow--lots of information there!! I've scanned through it and plan to read all of it this evening and tomorrow. So for now...I'll focus on "treating the symptoms", as such, he MAY have a sore belly, it MAY be the Merricks and/or Flagyl and/or Pepcid and/or cooked chicken.... I'm thinking that maybe I should NOT give him Merrick's tomorrow...?!?!? Sooooo many "ifs"

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? Recommendations for lower fat wet foods ? for GI Issu

Routine changed again yesterday. He only had diarrhea one time at 7:30 am and hasn't had a bowel movement since then (as of this writing, it has been 27 hours) which is great. However, yesterday when I rubbed his belly, he hissed at me and this morning, I brushed his belly, which he tolerated for a minute, then grabbed at me with claws out. Prior to yesterday, I rubbed his belly every day and he was loving it. So now I am thinking his belly hurts him as he usually does not hiss or claw when he gets his daily belly rubs.

I assume the belly pain has something to do with what I am now feeding him: I switched him to a higher protein, lower fat and what I assume is gluten-free variety of Merrick: Grammy's Pot Pie and added Fruitables digestive supplement, along with plain, shredded chicken and the broth from cooking it (ran out of FF Appetizers and as far as I can tell, my version is basically the same: I cooked one boneless, skinless chicken breast in about one cup of water, then I separated the chicken and broth, set aside the broth and chopped the chicken to small shreds in a blender. Then divided up the breast in 4 containers and added broth in each container).

I wonder if the vegetable/fruit ingredients in the Merrick's and Fruitables is just too much?

Merrick's Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Liver, Fresh Red Jacket New Potatoes, Fresh Carrots, Fresh Snow Peas, Fresh Whole Red Delicious Apples, Potato Starch-modified, Olive Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Cassia Gum, Carrageenan, Flax Seed Oil (For Omega -3), Poultry Seasoning (Thyme, Sage, Rosemary) Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Complex,d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Lecithin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Cobalt Glucoheptanate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin,Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite

Fruitables ingredients: Harvest fresh pumpkin, apple pumace, spinach, tomato pomace, choline chloride, ginger, spearmint, ground flax seed, cinnamon, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), folic acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B12 supplement

Before the switch to Merrick's, he was eating foods higher in fat and lower in protein.

There are just so many variables and changes that I'm not sure what to make of all this and now unsure if the switch to Merrick's and Fruitables is the right choice. If his next poo is formed/firm, I suppose I should not give him any more Fruitables...

Any suggestions? I am tempted to put him back on ReNew probiotic **Note: He took his last dose of Flagyl today (ending 2 pills a a day for 10 days) and he has not had ReNew nor Metamucil since 9/5, last Thursday**

 

[BJM]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

When you make more than 1 change at a time, it is difficult to know what had what effect.

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

When you make more than 1 change at a time, it is difficult to know what had what effect.

In hindsight, I realized that.....so I have no idea what to do now...he could be "gassy"... He's out of the Merrick Grammy's Pot Pie, so I am going to go get more. I gave him 1/4 t. of the Fruitables mixed into his food this morning; therefore, I will not give him any more (yesterday he had a good 1 t. of it)

 

[Frosty]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

Hi Kat. I'm sorry I can't offer any advice on the food or belly ache issues but am sending lots of get well vines to Gobbles. We'll keep you and Gobbles in our Prayers.

 

[Barb & Mr. Frog]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

You can help relieve his gas (if that's what is bugging him) by stroking along his back (from the ribs towards his tail) with your fingers/thumb putting some light pressure on the sides as you go, always only stroke towards the tail... this helps sometimes with constipation too. When my Bobo was doing poorly just before I found out about his heart condition (which stole him from me only a week later) he had gas terribly, because he wasn't eating properly, the vet told me to do this (but I've always done it for those reasons anyway)

 

[quilterkitty]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

Hi Kat,
I don't have any advice (looks like you're getting plenty!), just sending healing thoughts and love to you and Gobbles.
Phyllis

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

Ohhh poor baby..still sending prayers.
j.

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

He's been picking at his food today: Merrick grammy pot pie. He's eaten more shredded chicken and chicken broth than the Merrick.

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

You can help relieve his gas (if that's what is bugging him) by stroking along his back (from the ribs towards his tail) with your fingers/thumb putting some light pressure on the sides as you go, always only stroke towards the tail... this helps sometimes with constipation too. When my Bobo was doing poorly just before I found out about his heart condition (which stole him from me only a week later) he had gas terribly, because he wasn't eating properly, the vet told me to do this (but I've always done it for those reasons anyway)

Thanks Barb! I never knew there was a vet-suggested way to try to expel gas and/or poo by manipulating the belly. He allowed me to do that about a dozen times, then squirmed away, so I let him be. I will do another round in a bit. Hopefully it helps

 

[Deb & Wink]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

Sending healing prayers Gobbles way and some feel better vines. Poor Gobbles! No fun having an upset tummy. :cry:

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

Thanks everyone for your advice, kind words, vines and prayers. I hope he's back to himself very soon :mrgreen:

 

[TheBowHuntress]

dancing_cat The Poo Fairy Visited!!! dancing_cat The Poo Fairy Visited!!! dancing_cat

Gobbles had a semi-firm, formed chocolate poo this morning and is enjoying his belly rub today. He will not touch the Merrick Grammy Pot Pie; IMHO, he is associating it with his belly ache, but if that is so, I'm still a little confused because the Fruitables was mixed in with it.

From here, I have to find something for him to eat that is higher protein/lower fat/low carb/gluten-free. I want to stay away from seafood. I noticed these foods, which he has never had before, may fit the bill (brand, name, protein/fat/carbs), however, the thing about the Weruva is that I am almost 100% certain he will pick through the food and eat only the meat:

FF Liver & Chicken 46/51/4
FF Tender Turkey 46/51/4
Weruva Steak Fite 45/49/6
Weruva Paw Lickin Chicken 65/32/3
Weruva Nine-Liver 59/33/9
Weruva On The Cat Wok 53/43/4
Friskies Liver & Chicken 41/50/9

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Re: ? No diarrhea for over 24 hours; now belly may hurt ?

You can help relieve his gas (if that's what is bugging him) by stroking along his back (from the ribs towards his tail) with your fingers/thumb putting some light pressure on the sides as you go, always only stroke towards the tail... this helps sometimes with constipation too...

Hey Barb! I did this "exercise" with him twice yesterday and once this morning. He had a near-normal poo this morning...so good chance this helped AND I did let him eat a little grass as you had suggested about a week ago...

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

Forget the Merricks if he wont eat it.

Is he still on the pepcid?

Wendy

 

[TheBowHuntress]

Forget the Merricks if he wont eat it.

Is he still on the pepcid?

Wendy

No, I didn't give it to him yet, but I did give him a dose yesterday, late morning, and his appetite was still low all day. I have cypro on hand, but have not given that either. He also snubbed the homemade chicken appetizer. I do have some cans of the FF Liver & Chicken pate and I am willing to bet he'll eat it.

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

Are you changing things again?????

patience+ consistency = good poops + happy mama bean