with NVet... inkysmom , there is absolutely NO injectable substitute for lactulose... so, to put it bluntly: CASE CLOSED!!spoke
Ok, so much for trying to be helpful. Even amazing vets can be more amazing when owners advocate that some treatment is really impossible to give or is traumatic and a daily struggle for owner and cat. It should be all about quality of life and finding what works for you and Artie. He shouldn't be so stressed that he's having to fight like a bear and having thick gross liquid poured down his throat in huge amounts until he's stress drooling and vomiting. Nor should you have to go through it.
Vets can be amazing but they think clinically, in the hospital they have lots of help to restrain pets and many pets are better behaved in a new place.
But hey what do I know??? I've only had five elderly cats and my amazing dog die after long struggles with cancer in two years, had two other cats live to ages 19 and 20, other cats die of cancer, have a dog now with IBD who I sometimes have to force-feed and medicate daily (all 81 pounds of him), a cat with allergies to everything who I give allergy injections to and scratches himself raw and another cat with blockage surgery recently. Not to mention literally bringing my ancient horse back from the brink of death a few months ago, try force-feeding and medicating that.
I hope Artie does better. I was trying to help but this thread sometimes feels like you want sympathy and to vent, and don't want productive advice or anything that's not your idea. Other people's experience could help you and Artie if you let it.
I guess I'm being blunt too. I've got more sick animals than you but I find advice helpful. And I'm never rude to people who try to help.("case closed", seriously???)
Lactulose comes in enemas, it's gross but maybe less traumatic for Artie.
Everyone has sick animals and stress in life.
Good luck