New behavior/symptom for Spider (pancreatitis)

[jorda1re]

As Spider is slowly recovering from his pancreatitis, I know I am over analyzing everything he does. He is still eating well at both meals most days, but I am still not seeing him have bowel movements (at least not substantial) since his enema last week on Wednesday. His "new" behavior I have been observing the last two days is he will cough, almost act like he is going to throw up but nothing ever comes up. But then he swallows hard and licks his lips like there was something but it just never came out. It's not the same as when he hacks repeatedly like he has a hairball.

Anyone else experience this? How long should I be concerned that I am not seeing a BM? The vet said it could be a "few days" before I would see any poop because the enema. I know I am probably being too worried but I just hate seeing him uncomfortable. At this point, he isn't acting painful but definitely uncomfortable.

 

[Critter Mom]

Is he behaving like that in or near his litter box? Try looking at felineconstipation.org. I'm sure it mentions there that constipation may be one cause of nausea/vomiting. I know that the following view is only conjecture on my part, but what you describe sounds a bit like "dry heaving". If he hasn't pooped very much since the enema on Wednesday, if he were mine I'd contact the vet - by phone if necessary - to check about what to do. I'd also suggest that you follow BJM's recommendations on secondary monitoring - they're invaluable tools when treating/managing pancreatitis. At minimum, could you weigh Spider's stools (such as they are) every day and compare it to the weight of his food each day? That would give you some bit of a steer as to what's happening in terms of digestive transit / bowel movements. It's also a very helpful diagnostic aid to record the shape, colour and odour of all bowel movements (e.g. "loose/unformed, tan, whiffy" or "segmented, dark brown, faint healthy odour").

Is there any soluble fibre in Spider's current food at all (e.g. cassia gum, guar gum)? One of Saoirse's foods doesn't have any, and I have to add the teensiest pinchette of psyllium husk to her meals or it would constipate her.

BTW, it was recommended to me by other FDMB members whose cats have pancreatitis to feed little and often. It worked well for Saoirse during her pancreatitis flare-up and it still works well now that the condition is better managed. Feeding the smaller meals is easier on the pancreas, and also it can help reduce build-up of excess stomach acid (another cause of nausea/vomiting).

 

[jorda1re]

So, I started this thread on my break at work, and when I got home and checked the litter box, there was a completely average-for-Spider poop. I've never been so excited for poo in my life. haha. To answer your question, he was not acting like this near the litter box. I've never heard him straining or crying at all near the box. He would be in a dead sleep sometimes and wake up to cough. My friend who has an asthmatic cat says it sounds similar to her kitty. I'll be keeping an eye on him.

I talked to the vet after the litter box discovery and he said to just keep track as best I can and make sure he starts to get back on a more regular schedule for BMs. He still hasn't actually vomited anything up (I've been doing house walkthroughs when I get home just in case), and he hasn't coughed at all since I have been home. He was also begging for dinner.

BTW, it was recommended to me by other FDMB members whose cats have pancreatitis to feed little and often. It worked well for Saoirse during her pancreatitis flare-up and it still works well now that the condition is better managed. Feeding the smaller meals is easier on the pancreas, and also it can help reduce build-up of excess stomach acid (another cause of nausea/vomiting).

I've actually been doing this a little! Spider eats a relatively small amount normally for his size (he's a large, 14 pound- but not overweight- cat). Instead of one can of food, I've only been giving him 1/2 can when I get home from work and then the other half a few hours later. He had been walking away from his dish after a half can so I suspected that was all he wanted at the moment. In the morning, his appetite is usually a little bigger. I start with a half can, and if he walks away I know he is done. If he sits and begs for more, I add a little more at a time until he walks away.

After he eats, he seems much more bright-eyed and he's been more active with Cora and his interactions with me.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Maybe an xray of heart and lungs...? My kitty was coughing like that and an xray showed asthma. After a while he developed RCM. Not trying to scare you but it's something to think about. Good luck and best wishes.
jeanne

 

[jorda1re]

Maybe an xray of heart and lungs...? My kitty was coughing like that and an xray showed asthma. After a while he developed RCM. Not trying to scare you but it's something to think about. Good luck and best wishes.
jeanne

Thanks for the reply! Spider's been checked for asthma. He had an xray done not too long ago for an possible URI (coupled with the fact that he's a major snorer) and it looked fine. That's why I was kind of surprised that my friend suggested that. I asked the vet about the coughing and the vet thinks there's a good chance it's hairball. Spider had been on hairball control food until the diabetes. He also got a lion cut in May and only about 2 months ago got his full coat back so we haven't had hairball issues for over 6 months. He said to keep an eye on him and if he continues and doesn't produce anything (hairball or vomit) to bring him in Wed. If he does start to vomit again, bring him in in case he's having a flare of the pancreatitis.

 

[Critter Mom]

Yay! We have poopies! Amazing the way you learn to lurve the litter box! I'm glad to hear that your boy is feeling better. If at some stage you need to move to smaller, more frequent meals, timed feeders are a godsend. I have more of them than you can shake a stick at. In addition to helping with the GI issues, they help with weight management, too.

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

So, I started this thread on my break at work, and when I got home and checked the litter box, there was a completely average-for-Spider poop. I've never been so excited for poo in my life. haha.

Most of us here can soooooooo relate to this statement!!! Glad to hear Spider finally got it going and sending vines for continued healing and eating normally again!

 

[jorda1re]

Yay! We have poopies! Amazing the way you learn to lurve the litter box!

Glad to hear Spider finally got it going.

Yay! So glad others really understand! I texted Spider's dad (my ex-husband, I have custody of the kitty but he still comes to visit spider and helps with his vet and food costs) and he told me "you're a true parents when you get excited about poop."

While spider has been more active than last week, I wish he was even more active. He seems to be sleeping more and not playing like he was when Cora first got here. I am wondering if he is still just getting better slowly or if he's still sick? I will have to be patient and keep my eye on him!