PEG 3350 (Colyte®) 1.9 g/cat: dose can be doubled if no results are seen after 48 hours (See text for CRI instructions).ĭioctyl sodium succinate or DSS (5–10 ml/cat) Mineral oi1 (10–15 ml/cat PO): administer with caution due to risk of aspiration Psyllium (1–4 teaspoons per meal) also available incorporated in a proprietary dry extruded diet (Royal Canin Intestinal Fibre Response®) The different methods for treatment of idiopathic, nonobstructive constipation include administration of oral laxatives, enemas (Table 1), and prokinetic agents such as cisapride (0.1–0.5 mg/kg PO q8–12h).īulk-forming (add to moist cat food). However, prolonged obstruction is ultimately associated with loss of colonic contractility. If the cause of the obstruction can be addressed in a timely manner, colonic function may be preserved. Importantly, some cat owners may not be able to differentiate stranguria and dyschezia, and lower urinary tract diseases should always be ruled out.Īll identified underlying problems should be treated. Pseudocoprostasis or constipation can be caused by matted hair around the anus, which occasionally occurs in long-haired cats. Extraluminal mass lesions may be further evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography and guided biopsy, whereas intraluminal mass lesions are best evaluated by endoscopy.ĭiseases of the anorectum, such as anal sacculitis, may cause painful defecation. Abdominal radiographs help characterize the severity of colonic impaction and identify predisposing factors such as intraluminal radiopaque foreign material, intraluminal or extraluminal mass lesions, pelvic fractures, and spinal cord abnormalities. A minimal database consisting of CBC, biochemistry panel, and urinalysis should be obtained in all cats presented for constipation to rule out metabolic causes and underlying chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease. Rectal palpation (performed under sedation) is challenging in cats, but might reveal pelvic canal abnormalities, a stricture, etc.Ī thorough screening of animals presented with recurrent constipation is recommended to identify obstructions and underlying diseases and assess the systemic repercussions of the problem. This may reveal varying degrees of dehydration, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Chronic constipation/obstipation may have systemic repercussions such as anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, and vomiting.Ī detailed physical examination is required. The onset of distal bowel signs may be insidious and animals may be presented late when the problem is severe. Other clinical signs associated with a primary underlying disease might be present. Typical clinical signs include reduced, absent, or painful defecation, and may be progressive. Obstructions can be intraluminal (e.g., fecal impaction, FB, stricture), intramural (neoplasia), or extramural (e.g., narrowing of the pelvic canal, space-occupying lesions impinging on the descending colon or rectum). Secondary constipation is more common and is associated with processes that impair the transit and evacuation of colonic content, such as mechanical obstruction of the colon or rectum. Furthermore, use of opiates and anticholinergics may also lead to constipation. Inactivity and obesity may also be a cause of prolonged large bowel transit time. Dehydration, hypokalemia, and hypocalcemia may all negatively impact colonic motility. Neuromuscular dysfunction may occur in animals with lumbosacral disease or in cats with idiopathic megacolon. Primary constipation is due to abnormal colonic motility. Constipation is a relatively frequent problem in cats while obstipation and megacolon are less common. Constipation and obstipation may culminate in the syndrome of megacolon. Obstipation is the result of recurrent, intractable constipation. Books & VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate)Ĭonstipation is characterized by infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces. VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate).
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