Constipation in a cat is considered to be difficult excretion of feces during bowel movements. The body of every purr individual, but if the animal for more than 3 days is not pooping, it can be assumed that this is constipation. Most often cats empty the intestines daily, but some may do this once a two, or even three days. The owner needs to not only be alert when the cat’s tray is clean of fecal excrement, but also pay attention to their consistency is too drained, leaving the anus of a cat bowel movements may indicate constipation. Often in cats there are periodic problems with the withdrawal of feces, that is, an act defecation does not occur fully, remains in the intestines some of it (constipation). There are frequent cases when fecal the masses cannot leave the animal’s body for a long time, the intestines become clogged with hardened feces (constipation), often the condition requires medical treatment. If it’s about complete blockage and stoppage of the intestines (intestinal coprostasis) when under no circumstances can the animal need, outpatient treatment and medical supervision will be required, the appointment of enemas, laxatives, the introduction of saline. In some cases, for example, in the presence of a foreign body in the cat’s body or a large number of hardened lumps of wool, constipation requires surgical intervention. In short, constipation should always alert the cat owner, especially when they are are frequent and are accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Heat;
- Depressed state;
- Pain in the cat when touching the stomach;
- Hard stomach;
- Refusal of food and water.
Causes of Constipation in Cats
Constipation alone is not generally considered independent. illness, more often it is a consequence of disturbances in the body. There are many reasons why an animal is not able to ok go big:
- The presence of a foreign object swallowed by a cat, which interferes with normal digestion;
- Improperly selected feed (low in food) fiber, protein, vitamins), insufficient amount consumed liquids
- The presence of bezoar stones consisting of a swallowed cat Wool
- Gastrointestinal tumors, intestinal adhesions, polyps, hernias;
- The condition of the animal after anesthesia associated with violation of the motility of the stomach and intestines (often after sterilization operations, other interventions requiring introduction to anesthesia);
- Side effects of certain drugs;
- The presence of worms in the cat’s body;
- Malformations, dysfunction and enlargement of the colon (megacolon);
- Violation of the motility of the small intestine (intestinal obstruction);
- Psychological factors (bad smelling tray, experienced stress etc.);
- Disorders of the endocrine system (diabetes, hyperthyroidism and etc.);
- Inflammation of the paraanal glands in a cat;
- Low animal mobility, musculoskeletal disorders apparatus that impedes digestion and bowel movements;
- Pregnancy in a cat;
- Kidney disease.
As you can see, the reasons why the cat may suffer from constipation really too much so pay attention not only on the absence or obstruction of the feces, but also on other symptoms. Sometimes improper self-treatment or inaction with constipation can cost a cat life (for example, with rupture of the intestine when an extraneous, often acute thing). Particular care should be taken in cases when an animal often cannot do its own thing in tray (more than 3 days), meows plaintively, does not eat.
Diagnosis of the disease
To determine the cause of constipation, the doctor makes an anamnesis based on the story of the owner of the cat (it is necessary to describe everything as accurately as possible symptoms, frequency, stool texture associated with constipation symptoms, that is, everything that the owner knows). Doctor may prescribe blood donation (biochemical, clinical tests) and urine (general analysis) cats. Coprological studies may confirm (or exclude) one or another reason why the animal suffers from constipation. Ultrasound and x-ray help as accurately as possible to diagnose and prescribe treatment of the animal.
Treatment of constipation in cats
Do not try to fix the problem with laxatives. medicines designed for humans. If constipation is not accompanied no other symptoms, and the animal is active, you can try giving the cat a spoonful of petroleum jelly to help her empty the intestines by softening feces. Good laxative effect and stimulation of intestinal motility renders lactulose, but before taking this drug is consult your veterinarian. In cases where constipation has chronic and are caused by serious problems with health, the veterinarian prescribes enemas based on mineral oils and drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora (probiotics). In avoid dehydration and intoxication in addition to enemas prescribe infusion therapy. If the cause of constipation is a tumor or a foreign object, then you can not do without surgery.
Prevention of constipation in cats
For cats whose body is prone to constipation, it should think over some simple nuances to this unpleasant prevent the problem, not treat it. You can enter a cat’s diet milk, fresh sour-milk products, vegetables (zucchini, pumpkin, beets), raw beef liver. During treatment it is advisable though would temporarily transfer the cat to liquid nutrition (cereals, mashed potatoes), and ready-made dry feeds should be replaced with wet ones. So, if a cat suffers from constipation, you need:
- Get foods rich in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals;
- To provide an unhindered admission of a cat to water;
- Comb or cut your cat regularly (especially during molting, as well as furry pets). Not bad as prevention acquire phytomines that contribute to the elimination of swallowed Wool
- Timely prevent (or treatment) parasites;
- Provide the animal with an active pastime and stay on air.
