Grayson 1/24 - constipation advice requested

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Grayson & Lu

Grayson & Lu

Member Since 2012
Hello friends -

Grayson seems to have had a burp... After spending most of December and the beginning of January in the blues & greens, he's moved back to the yellows and pinks.. I'm convinced it has to do with some constipation, as he's had limited poops, and his back end is REALLY stinky. He's been taking Miralax for about 1.5 weeks, and I've been putting some Vaseline on his paw for him to lick and to help "move things along". Tonight I'm cooking pumpkin to add to his food. We'll see how he takes to it...

I called the vet tonight to see about an enema. I know that's helped tremendously for some others here and on the Acro site - especially if there's any kind of blockage. The girls up front said he'd have to be anesthetized. Of course that means fasting, and I don't think that's a good idea for an Acro kitty, if it can be avoided.

Does anyone have other suggestions? Thanks in advance!
 
Hello, I am a fan of slippery elm. because it is completly non-toxic. one of the few herbs that is. It can be used in both constipation and
diarrhea.
n the gastro-intestinal tract, Slippery Elm acts directly. It can be thought of as a sort of natural “Pepto-Bismol.” (Pepto-Bismol itself should not be used because it contains salicylate, a.k.a. aspirin). Its mucilage content coats, soothes, and lubricates the mucus membranes lining the digestive tract. Slippery Elm is an excellent treatment for ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel problems. It is high in fiber, and so helps normalize intestinal action; it can be used to relieve both diarrhea and constipation. It may also help alleviate nausea and vomiting in pets suffering from non-GI illnesses, such as kidney disease. A syrup made from Slippery Elm Bark can be used to help heal mouth ulcers from all causes (see recipe below).

Alternatively, use 1/2 capsule (per 10 pounds), opened and the contents mixed with water. Slippery Elm powder will absorb many times its own weight in water, so be sure to add enough to make a moderately thick gruel. This gruel can be given before meals by syringe or eyedropper, or added to baby food, canned food, or a homemade diet. It has a slightly sweet taste and is usually well-tolerated by cats and dogs when mixed with food. Give a dose 5 to 30 minutes before meals for sore throat, and before or with meals for digestive tract problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, until symptoms resolve. (NOTE: Slippery Elm may interfere with absorption of medications; and long-term use may have some effect on nutrient absorption. It may be best to give Slippery Elm at a different time, separate from medications. Please discuss use of all supplements and herbs with your veterinarian.)
 
Lu --

If the Miralax isn't working, I'd have Grayson seen by your vet. You don't want to be medicating if this is megacolon. Enemas can be done at home and don't require anesthesia. There have been a couple of people who's cats recently have had enema's and they weren't anesthetized.
 
Thanks for the quick responses!

He DOES have mega-colon, and he has had IBD. So yes, my goal was that if I didn't see movement by lunch, he's in to the vet. That was why I called today - to see when the cut-off would be to be able to get him in. A few minutes after I called, he gave me a poop. But he still has a stinky butt, and it feels like there's something else right at his anus. That's why I thought there was a blockage. But the poop he did was formed - and very slightly loose, to which I credit the Miralax.

Previously he hung in the pinks when he had an ear infection. I was thinking this might be causing the change in the numbers. Others have said that as soon as they pooped, the BG came down.
 
Oh, poor Grayson! Sorry to hear about the bump in the road. We tried pumpkin for Hershey in the past and I can't say it helped; he takes Miralax now just to soften his stools some. I hope you find something that helps, soon!

Have a great night -

Libby (& Hershey, too!)

Sorry to hear about your *problem,* buddy. Don't cha love how our moms just tell alllll our business?! - Hershey
 
When Zeus had a really stinky butt, the vet found that his anal glands were really plugged. The vet expressed the glands and we have all been much happier :-D
 
I think there may be some issue using slippery elm bark if a kitty has any kidney problems, so please be careful if you decide to use that.

Have you tried Lactulose for the mega colon? My friends kitty has MC and she uses the lactulose on him. I know Roni uses it on Moonie also. Someone mentioned that you can get a chicken flavored laculose (compounded).

Spot gets Miralax 2x daily and it really seems to help. He had a dental the other day and had two teeth pulled and right now is a tad constipated due to the bupe. He is getting pumpkin (straight out of the can) also.

I hope Grayson has a nice movement soon and everything is ok!
 
Hi Grayson's Mom, I wanted to post last night but was too sleepy to make any sense. I remember you gave us support when I was looking for help with the Megacolon. Maggie has Megacolon and had three enemas (over two days) in the beginning when first diagnosed and did not need to be anesthetized. She's on Lactulose and Miralax daily, also Cisapride. Mags is the kitty who gets the Lactulose flavored chicken. The Vet orders it thru a compounding pharmacy. I hope Grayson won't ned the Lactulose and maybe just a maintenance Miralax after he has the enema. Some here do the enemas at home, but Mags was so blocked up and needed fluids and monitoring. Paws and fingers crossed for a successful enema and poo. Let us know how Grayson does today.
 
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