Potty issues

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StephG

StephG

Member Since 2016
Does insulin change the smell of their poo? My cat has always had kinda bad poo (IBD) but this is AWFUL. I thought maybe it was just from the food but I'm wondering if the insulin changes it... Just trying to figure out if I should have a culture or test done to see why he's so rancid.
 
Hi Steph,

I've not come across any studies to support this impression but since I became a member here over 2 years ago, I have observed anecdotally that some cats may experience digestive upsets shortly after commencement of treatment. One possible reason might be that a diet change took place but I also do get the impression that some GI upsets may be due to the body getting used to the 'foreign' insulin. Again just based on what I've observed here it seems to typically be a transient issue but it is wise to monitor the cat closely and get the vet to check it over. Note that other members may not have similar thoughts.

Have you changed Chuck Norris' food since diagnosis? That might be a possible cause.

To be on the safe side, I suggest getting your vet to give Chuck a once-over and that you ask for a pancreatitis blood test; pancreatitis can make poo extremely malodorous. If your vet offers SNAP fPL testing in-house it will give an immediate yes/no result. The Spec fPL test needs to be sent out to the external lab but they give a numeric result indicative of the level of severity of any inflammation present. With IBD in the mix getting B12/folate tests done is wise (nutrient malabsorption being a common issue with this condition, as I'm sure you already know). A full panel with thyroid and lipids, etc., is valuable. Should blood tests indicate pancreatic inflammation is present an ultrasound scan may give you additional diagnostic information.

Watch for changes to the colour and texture of the poop. If it gets paler/grey-looking, marshmallowy/'fluffy-looking' (steatorrhoea), or turns to diarrhoea this could also point to issues with the pancreas (both problems are due to lack of pancreatic enzymes so food passes through the gut without being properly digested or absorbed).

Keep an eye out for any nausea / inappetence symptoms or different signs of abdominal discomfort (e.g. crouching in a tense meatloaf position after eating; seeking out cool floor surfaces to sit/lie on; tenderness on palpation).

Here are some useful links for you in case you might need them:

Nausea and inappetence - symptoms and treatments

IDEXX Pancreatitis Treatment Guidelines

IBD Kitties home page

IBD Kitties B12 info


Mogs
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Thank you. I'll check out the links. He always has soft stool. His stool is almost the same color of his food. I will see if they have that test at the new Vet. No tenderness that I've noticed. Would pumpkin help or is that high carb?
 
StephG said:
Thank you. I'll check out the links. He always has soft stool. His stool is almost the same color of his food. I will see if they have that test at the new Vet. No tenderness that I've noticed. Would pumpkin help or is that high carb?
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Pumpkin typically doesn't raise BGs (though ECID - every cat is different) as most of the carb content is fibre and therefore not absorbed from the gut. Some cats get on OK with pumpkin, but it can really disagree with others (my civvie can't tolerate it at all). Given how careful one needs to be about introducing anything new for cats with GI issues I'd suggest asking your vet about the pumpkin before introducing it. With really whiffy poops it's best to get a vet consult sooner rather than later.

Info on fibre can be found at www.felineconstipation.org. If you dig around at IBD Kitties you might find something there, too.


Mogs
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Sometimes he gets a couple pea sized pieces of cooked chicken before or after we eat dinner but not regularly.
 
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