Pepper is constipated

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Julia78

Julia78

Member Since 2020
My Pepper is constipated, and I’m worried. I had been giving him pumpkin, which he likes, but he hasn’t had a bowel movement in two days. I gave him an 1/8 of a tsp of miralax this morning and a about 1/8 tsp of olive oil in tuna juice as even before he was constipated, his stools were a little hard and dry. About an hour ago his belly seemed to contract about 4 times voluntarily, do you think that’s due to the miralax? He hasn’t been eating as much because of the constipation and his BG number was 270 tonight, lower than it has been in a while. I massaged his stomach thinking I could move the feces and help him get rid of it. He’s not happy, the poor guy.
 
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I'm sorry to hear that Pepper is constipated. It really does make them feel very miserable, and often lethargic.

Given his tendency toward drier stools before you started adding the pumpkin and Miralax, I'd strongly recommend you ask if the vet can see him today, particularly as you've observed abdominal spasms. The vet could examine him to see if there's a 'stuck' stool or other obstruction - important for safety - and if a dried out stool is the problem the vet could perhaps give an enema if needed.


Mogs
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Thank you all for your support. The vet gave Pepper an enema and he defecated right away. They put him on antibiotics and an anti inflammatory med for an infected anal gland. The vet said she can’t tell if there is a mass in his anal gland area or if it’s just firm because of the inflammation. She wants to see him in 7-10 days to re-check the area after the infection subsides. They gave him fluids and took an X-ray and ran blood work, which the vet said looked good. I’m going to ask them to send me a copy. They want me to give miralax twice a day. Pepper was at the vet for 5.5 hours. Thanks again.
 
Thanks for the update, Julia. Poor baby! That must be sore... (((Pepper)))

I'm glad the vet was able to help. Fingers and paws crossed that the meds will quickly clear up the problem for Pepper.


Mogs
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He hasn’t pooped since he was at the vet yesterday, but hopefully he will have by the time I get home from work. He’s not going to like me administering his meds starting tonight. : (. I don’t want him to hate me!
 
He's probably sore and might be a bit hesitant about going, poor creatúir. (((Pepper))) Hopefully he'll get back to being nice and regular ASAP. :)

This is a good vid on pilling technique (fast forward to 4:45):




The only thing the above vet is missing from the demo is to make sure you get your little one to eat or drink something immediately after the pill is swallowed to make sure it doesn't get stuck in the oesophagus. (If pills get stuck it can potentially give rise to oesophagitis, and we don't want that! :) )

As with BG testing, a confident approach (faked if necessary!), lots of praise and maybe a diabetic-friendly treat afterwards can make the pilling experience a bit more positive (perhaps 'less negative' might be more accurate! ;) ). Also, it can help to choose a place where pills are given - preferably not the same as his BG testing spot - so that he knows he's OK everywhere else.



Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
He's probably sore and might be a bit hesitant about going, poor creatúir. (((Pepper))) Hopefully he'll get back to being nice and regular ASAP. :)

This is a good vid on pilling technique (fast forward to 4:45):




The only thing the above vet is missing from the demo is to make sure you get your little one to eat or drink something immediately after the pill is swallowed to make sure it doesn't get stuck in the oesophagus. (If pills get stuck it can potentially give rise to oesophagitis, and we don't want that! :) )

As with BG testing, a confident approach (faked if necessary!), lots of praise and maybe a diabetic-friendly treat afterwards can make the pilling experience a bit more positive (perhaps 'less negative' might be more accurate! ;) ). Also, it can help to choose a place where pills are given - preferably not the same as his BG testing spot - so that he knows he's OK everywhere else.



Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
He's probably sore and might be a bit hesitant about going, poor creatúir. (((Pepper))) Hopefully he'll get back to being nice and regular ASAP. :)

This is a good vid on pilling technique (fast forward to 4:45):




The only thing the above vet is missing from the demo is to make sure you get your little one to eat or drink something immediately after the pill is swallowed to make sure it doesn't get stuck in the oesophagus. (If pills get stuck it can potentially give rise to oesophagitis, and we don't want that! :) )

As with BG testing, a confident approach (faked if necessary!), lots of praise and maybe a diabetic-friendly treat afterwards can make the pilling experience a bit more positive (perhaps 'less negative' might be more accurate! ;) ). Also, it can help to choose a place where pills are given - preferably not the same as his BG testing spot - so that he knows he's OK everywhere else.



Mogs
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Thank you for all that information, Mogs! The antibiotic is actually in liquid form (per my request) and the vet said I might not have trouble with the anti inflammatory because many cats like the flavor of the pills. I hope the antibiotic is given in small doses.
 
Critter Mom said:
I'm sorry to hear that Pepper is constipated. It really does make them feel very miserable, and often lethargic.

Given his tendency toward drier stools before you started adding the pumpkin and Miralax, I'd strongly recommend you ask if the vet can see him today, particularly as you've observed abdominal spasms. The vet could examine him to see if there's a 'stuck' stool or other obstruction - important for safety - and if a dried out stool is the problem the vet could perhaps give an enema if needed.


Mogs
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Thank you for your thoughtful advice!
 
Critter Mom said:
Hi Julia,

How's Pepper doing today?


Mogs
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Hi Mogs, sorry for this late response. Thankfully, Pepper has been pooping and is tolerating the antibiotic. I am so relieved that he
laps up the antibiotic when it’s mixed with tuna juice. I dreaded forcing him to take it. His glucose numbers remain high, rarely
going below 300 and sometimes hitting 400. Thank you for caring. I just read your sweet kitty’s profile.
 
Hi Julia,

Really glad to hear that Pepper's been doing his poops and that you've found a way to give him the antibiotic in a relatively stress-free fashion. :)


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
Hi Julia,

Really glad to hear that Pepper's been doing his poops and that you've found a way to give him the antibiotic in a relatively stress-free fashion. :)


Mogs
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Thanks Mogs! I’ll be bringing him back this Wednesday or Thursday for a follow up if we don’t get the forecasted snow storm.
 
I brought Pepper to the vet today and they said the mass they found on his anal gland has tripled in size in 9 days. The vet feels certain it is malignant and referred Pepper to an oncologist. I made an appointment for this Friday. My heart is broken.
 
Oh, Julia... What a shock! :(

Sending prayers that the oncologist will be able to help your darling boy. Please let us know how he gets on. We're here for you both.

(((Julia and Pepper)))

:bighug:


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
Oh, Julia... What a shock! :(

Sending prayers that the oncologist will be able to help your darling boy. Please let us know how he gets on. We're here for you both.

(((Julia and Pepper)))

:bighug:


Mogs
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Thank you, Mogs. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your support and the support of the others here. I’m wondering if I will need to find
a separate cancer support group to help me through the upcoming dreadful days. I would prefer to continue sharing here because I feel I know some of you and you are all wonderful, but I don’t want to burden anyone with a topic that is not relevant to the site.
 
Feline health is feline health is feline health, Julia. Many members here have cats with multiple issues, and may be able to share experience that might help you. I've received help from members on issues other than diabetes here (for which I have been beyond grateful). :bighug:

When you know a little more, it might be an idea to post a new thread to ask whether any members here might be able to recommend any reputable support group(s) where you could post in addition to FDMB.

Keeping you both in my prayers.

(((Julia and Pepper)))

:bighug:


Mogs
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Julia78 said:
Thank you, Mogs. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your support and the support of the others here. I’m wondering if I will need to find
a separate cancer support group to help me through the upcoming dreadful days. I would prefer to continue sharing here because I feel I know some of you and you are all wonderful, but I don’t want to burden anyone with a topic that is not relevant to the site.
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Critter Mom said:
Feline health is feline health is feline health, Julia. Many members here have cats with multiple issues, and may be able to share experience that might help you. I've received help from members on issues other than diabetes here (for which I have been beyond grateful). :bighug:

When you know a little more, it might be an idea to post a new thread to ask whether any members here might be able to recommend any reputable support group(s) where you could post in addition to FDMB.

Keeping you both in my prayers.

(((Julia and Pepper)))

:bighug:


Mogs
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Thank you for your kindness, Mogs. I hope one day I’ll be able to help someone here who is in need.
 
Julia78 said:
Thank you for your kindness, Mogs. I hope one day I’ll be able to help someone here who is in need.
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Poor Pepper has cancer. I was told if he has surgery, the best case scenario will have him gone in under a year. : (
 
Oh, Julia, I am awful sorry to hear that. :(

I've no experience to draw on with which to suggest anything to you that might help. However, there are members here with all manner of experience when it comes to cat health matters. I think it would be a good idea to start a new thread specifically asking for advice about the cancer, and also for any pointers to online resources (information, reputable support groups, etc.). That way, any members with relevant experience might be able to help a bit.

Whether or not you get helpful specifics, we're all here for you two and we'll do our best to support you.

Every minute we get to spend with our little ones is beyond precious.

Will keep you both in my prayers.

(((Julia and Pepper)))

:bighug:


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
Oh, Julia, I am awful sorry to hear that. :(

I've no experience to draw on with which to suggest anything to you that might help. However, there are members here with all manner of experience when it comes to cat health matters. I think it would be a good idea to start a new thread specifically asking for advice about the cancer, and also for any pointers to online resources (information, reputable support groups, etc.). That way, any members with relevant experience might be able to help a bit.

Whether or not you get helpful specifics, we're all here for you two and we'll do our best to support you.

Every minute we get to spend with our little ones is beyond precious.

Will keep you both in my prayers.

(((Julia and Pepper)))

:bighug:


Mogs
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Thank you Mogs. If I could envision living in this world without a cat, I’d never sign myself up for this torture. The support I get here makes
it bearable. Thank you.
 
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