MURPHY 10/17/10 QUESTION ON HIGH PROTEIN DIET/CONSTIPATION

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msmurphy2010

msmurphy2010

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Does anyone have any experience with the higher protein diets causing constipation in their kitties? I've noticed that both Murphy and Oscie are somewhat constipated, and with Murphy having pancreatitis, I don't want any situations arising where she needs an enema v. say, MIralax. I have lactulose, but it's almost straight sugar, and even though it goes straight through, it has to have some effect w/ diabetes? Am I correct? The last thing I want to happen is for her to end up w/ enemas all the time.


Lisa
 
Re: MURPHY 10/17/10 QUESTION ON HIGH PROTEIN DIET/CONSTIPATI

Many kitties get constipated as they age. Merlyn was, and it was in the ER for being plugged up (obstipated) that we found out about his heart condition, on xray. So we did lactulose, but he was OTJ at that point. Miralax worked much better because I could mix it in his food. The lactulose seemed to give him a tummy ache and I got the sticky stuff all over because he didnt want it. I dont think its related to diet. Cats on a high protein diet will use more of it and excrete less of it so what comes out might be a bit hard/dry.

Are your kids on Miralax?
 
Re: MURPHY 10/17/10 QUESTION ON HIGH PROTEIN DIET/CONSTIPATI

I had them on Miralax a while back, then my old vet wanted to switch them to Lactulose, which to me, is a culprit in some way for diabetes. It's still sugar and from what I've read, it's not a good idea. So, I'm off tomorrow to get some Miralax for them, which worked pretty well, and it's osmotic, so I don't think it will hurt Murphy's pancreatisis. The only consideration I really have is I have to ask my vet because Murphy is on Panakare Plus in her diet to ease the pancreatic pain. I don't see how Miralax would become involved in this though.
 
Re: MURPHY 10/17/10 QUESTION ON HIGH PROTEIN DIET/CONSTIPATI

I assume it's high protein canned or raw? Some cats have fewer bowel movements because there is less waste in the food, as opposed to all the corn, etc., in the dry.

You can increase the moisture by adding a tablespoon of warm water to his food - just mix it in. The extra moisture can help. And a light sprinkling of Miralax may help - just use a tiny amount. You don't want their bowels becoming too dependent on it.
 
Re: MURPHY 10/17/10 QUESTION ON HIGH PROTEIN DIET/CONSTIPATI

Found out some interesting news tonight on Miralax for cats. It is toxic to cats. My vet has a recent periodical on a variety of drugs and side effects and I wanted to ask her about giving Miralax to Murphy so she doesn't end up with constipation all the time. Come to find out, it can be just as toxic as giving a dog chocolate. And, she said no no to Lactulose for a diabetic cat. So, we are going to go with fresh ground psyllium husk powder, safest and probably more effective, also puts water into the intestinal tract. I'm so glad I asked about this before I went and did something I should not have done.

Murphy's doing good with her numbers.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key ... y=CNqGppQK
 
Re: MURPHY 10/17/10 QUESTION ON HIGH PROTEIN DIET/CONSTIPATI

I dont know why she thinks its toxic.. I am wondering if she is confusing Polyethylene glycol (PEG) which is miralax.. and Ethylene glycol, which is in antifreeze.

Many cats are on Miralax on this board. Merlyn was on it, and had no issues with it. I think a whole lot of cats would be dead right now if it was toxic. My vet didnt see anything wrong with it.
 
Re: MURPHY 10/17/10 QUESTION ON HIGH PROTEIN DIET/CONSTIPATI

MiraLAX is polyethylene glycol and is relatively safe for animals and humans. Maybe your vet confused it with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) which is very nephrotoxic to animals. Or maybe polypropylene glycol which is also toxic.
 
Re: MURPHY 10/17/10 QUESTION ON HIGH PROTEIN DIET/CONSTIPATI

I know, it totally freaked me out because I have given it to them in the past w/ no side effects and if everyone else does it, then there certainly would be more things happening with others.

I think she's confused. I will have to discuss with her tomorrow. My only other option is powdered phyllium husk, which is all natural. But, whatever it is, it has to mix with the Panakare Plus enzymes I give her.
 
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