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- Apr 16, 2020
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Hello, all. My 12-year-old male tabby has been dealing with sensitive bowel issues off and on during his life, but it's been worse since last fall. It started off with horrible diarrhea in November that the vet suspected was caused by the addition of a new kitten in the home. My older cat is sensitive, and I think the new kitten was at least part of the problem. After giving him lots of extra attention and using some calming plugins around the house, the diarrhea faded and he seemed like his usual self. Fast forward to last month, and he suddenly became extremely constipated. After his regular vet gave him four enemas without success, I took him to the emergency vet. Many dollars later, and after a two-night stay in the ICU, my cat's bowels were cleared. The ultrasound they performed to find the cause was inconclusive, and they could only see thickening of the intestines. The internist at the emergency vet suspects either IBD or cancer, but cannot know without a biopsy. Due to costs, I decided to hold off on the biopsy, and the vet put my cat on 5 mg of prednisolone daily. Our regular vet also gave me a prescription for lactulose, 3 mg two or three times daily.
Everything was going well for the first few weeks until my cat decided he couldn't stand the lactulose taste anymore. The last time I tried the lactulose a couple of days ago, he threw it up five minutes after swallowing. I decided to try Miralax, and now most days that is what he gets. Here is my main concern right now: About three or four days ago, I noticed that my cat will occasionally sit up and look like he is having contractions or spasms in his abdomen. They only last for a moment and sometimes are accompanied by a gassy sound or even grunting. Then he seems fine again. He is still eating well and drinking water, and wants more food than I give him due to the prednisolone. He seems to be in good spirits and is still very affectionate with us in general. He only seems distressed when these spasms happen a few times during the day.
Just a little while ago, I noticed that he had one of those episodes. About thirty minutes later, he went to the litter box and passed some soft stool. Now he's resting, but every now and then I hear a grunt come from him. However, I cannot tell if the noise I am hearing is gas or a rumbling stomach or if he is actually grunting. When this happens, it looks like he's trying to pas gas or start a bowel movement or has cramps. It's frustrating for him and for me.
I have made a followup appointment at the emergency vet for this weekend. They will check to see how the prednisolone is helping with his intestines since they're concerned there could be a mass developing slowly. My regular vet is also concerned that kidney problems could be causing the constipation, but unfortunately her office is now closed until May. I find myself worrying more and more about my cat. No matter what the issue is, my main concern is keeping him out of pain and as happy as possible. Is it possible that the laxatives could be causing cramps and that this is what I am seeing when he has these spasms? Could it be a side effect of the prednisolone? What can I do to make him feel better at home until I see the vet this weekend? Any words of wisdom are much appreciated.
Everything was going well for the first few weeks until my cat decided he couldn't stand the lactulose taste anymore. The last time I tried the lactulose a couple of days ago, he threw it up five minutes after swallowing. I decided to try Miralax, and now most days that is what he gets. Here is my main concern right now: About three or four days ago, I noticed that my cat will occasionally sit up and look like he is having contractions or spasms in his abdomen. They only last for a moment and sometimes are accompanied by a gassy sound or even grunting. Then he seems fine again. He is still eating well and drinking water, and wants more food than I give him due to the prednisolone. He seems to be in good spirits and is still very affectionate with us in general. He only seems distressed when these spasms happen a few times during the day.
Just a little while ago, I noticed that he had one of those episodes. About thirty minutes later, he went to the litter box and passed some soft stool. Now he's resting, but every now and then I hear a grunt come from him. However, I cannot tell if the noise I am hearing is gas or a rumbling stomach or if he is actually grunting. When this happens, it looks like he's trying to pas gas or start a bowel movement or has cramps. It's frustrating for him and for me.
I have made a followup appointment at the emergency vet for this weekend. They will check to see how the prednisolone is helping with his intestines since they're concerned there could be a mass developing slowly. My regular vet is also concerned that kidney problems could be causing the constipation, but unfortunately her office is now closed until May. I find myself worrying more and more about my cat. No matter what the issue is, my main concern is keeping him out of pain and as happy as possible. Is it possible that the laxatives could be causing cramps and that this is what I am seeing when he has these spasms? Could it be a side effect of the prednisolone? What can I do to make him feel better at home until I see the vet this weekend? Any words of wisdom are much appreciated.