Cat Butt Leaking.

[catsknowme]

If you don't already, I would switch to unscented litter because the fragrances can and usually do irritate their sensitive rectal tissues, esp after having a tube inserted back there.
Ironically, the cheaper litters (Cat&Co *kmart*, Frisco brand *chewy. com*) are the cleanest - A&H, FreshStep, Fresh&Light,TidyCats, ScoopAway usually have remnants of fragrance because their scented litters have so much perfume added that the unscented litter picks it up during packaging.

 

[jackal2001]

Had to move all furniture and clean up everything. Washing machine was going all day.
I managed to get him cleaned up yesterday to the point where he was sleeping on me and feeling comfortable. I think whatever they did helped a little as he isn't leaking much at all but he is still licking back there a lot.
I took away his dry food as he just swallow it as he has no teeth for chewing it. I'm hoping that helps. I put a tiny bit of mirlalax in some of his wet food about an 1/8 or smaller teaspoon. I'll try adding some pumpkin to his wet food also but since he is a picky eater he may turn his nose up at it.

 

[catsknowme]

Oh dear, I was hoping that he was able to pass the problem by now, poor buddy. The ultrasound should be a big help in determining the problem and I wish that it could have happened sooner for your guy. Our main vet had recommended gently massaging our cat's lower abdomen to help the stool pass but it was uncomfortable for our cat. I have used the technique on bottle babies and they seem to enjoy it - it is the same as for humans, massaging in small counterclockwise circles starting at the bellybutton, gradually going in an outward, counterclockwise spiral, starting with light pressure (not so light as to tickle) and slowly increasing.

 

[jackal2001]

Since we got him back from the vet sat morning he still hasn't pooped. I'm not sure if that is a result of getting a little bit out during the enema. They stated there was still a piece in there they didn't get. Have to wait and see I guess.

 

[catsknowme]

I was so hoping that Mother Nature would take over. If you have coconut oil, you could apply that to his rear end. His rear is probably becoming sore and irritated from the scooting and coconut oil has antibacterial and healing properties. Alternately, you can use unscented vaseline (I try to avoid petroleum based products when possible). I hope that some of our other TCS supercats will chime in soon.
Thank you for the update!

 

[jackal2001]

I just checked and there were 4 pieces in his litter. Maybe only 3/4 inch or smaller. At least he got some out.

 

[catsknowme]

Wonderful update!! It is a start - he will feel some relief. Thank you for the update

 

[jackal2001]

Lab results showed no parasites. He pooped what looks like to be normal today. Not really sure since the wife normally cleans the litter. His butt isn't leaking anymore. I don't know if I should cause him the stress of going for a ultrasound or if I should just keep monitoring him.

 

[jackal2001]

Spoke to soon. Found a small leakage spot on the floor.

 

[catsknowme]

The poop looks pretty normal to me. Is it squishy or hard? If he isn't licking himself sore or if he isn't acting quiet or lethargic, you could monitor him for the day and see what happens. I am surprised that the vet did not give you an Rx for lactulose.

 

[jackal2001]

I didn't squeeze the poop. Looked pretty solid to me. I've been trying to give him in to a 1/4 teaspoon of miralax a day pending if he eats his food. I also have a can of pumpkin but I don't know what to try and mix it with that he'll actually eat it. I'm guessing a around a half teaspoon.
He isn't licking as much. Maybe a hand full times a day at max. He was playing last night as well.
This was his butt yesterday.

 

[catsknowme]

His rear looks pretty good, a little redder in the very inside but it sounds like he is on the mend. I would definitely be vigilant for awhile - maybe ask the vet why lactulose was not prescribed. Miralax, like pumpkin, is good at balancing the water in the intestines/stool although diarrhea can be a side effect. Thank you for the update with photos - it does help us to know what is going on

 

[jackal2001]

I'm guessing his stool was very dry and she felt a piece that was stuck in there and she tried to get out. Before we took him to the vet on Saturday morning, Friday afternoon he left a poop on the floor and it was really dry. Probably having issues passing it.
I'm guessing she figured over the counter stuff will help. I sent an email to the vet asking if I should keep the ultrasound apt or just keep an eye on him.
Any pumpkin cat food recipes I can try?

 

[catsknowme]

I blend it with the Gerber stage 2 baby food, chicken or beef, or, to save $, I boil chicken with whole salt (himalayan pink salt or Real Salt from Utah - same thing: unrefined, without the other trace minerals removed, packaged and sold as supplements) and a beneficial herb safe for cats (I loathe the smell of boiling chicken) such as parsley or cilantro and blend it or mush it with the broth and the meat. I put in about a teaspoon per serving for a tablespoon a day.

 

[jackal2001]

Well no more poop in his litter since the 22nd. I'm hoping there will be some today. Not sure what is considered normal for a cat.
I did mix about a half teaspoon of pumpkin in his food last night and he ate that.
He did something this morning that he he hasn't done in a long time. He brought up a tin foil crinkle ball on the bed and wanted to play. So I was playing with him a bit.
His butt is still looking better also and not really licking it.
I'm hoping he poops today so I can tell if all the softeners are doing the job.
I may cancel the ultrasound which I asked my vet about and she thinks it is still a good idea to take him. She also wants me to see any eye specialist due to his eyes being so dialated and the is some slight pressure and small signs of a cataract. He can see fine from what I can tell so I don't think it is warranted and I hate giving him more stress than needed.

 

[catsknowme]

I hate to sound unsympathetic or worse, patronizing, but I would go ahead with the ultrasound. My poor daughter's elderly cat benefited from an ultrasound and an overnight stay at the weekend vets'. My vet did barium x-rays which missed an up-high blockage. The cat was dealing with on & off butt-leakage but it was her hiding under the bed that made me take her to the expensive, weekend vet. Best thing for her that I could have done!

 

[jackal2001]

My cat isn't the cooperative type and causes stress for everyone Everytime I have to wrangle him up. I'm undecided at this point. Maybe just reschedule it for next week and keep an eye on him? Don't know.

 

[jackal2001]

I did find this on a vet website that sounds exactly what was happening:
"Another symptom that may fool you as to what is going on is to see diarrhea associated with straining in the litter box. How can a cat be constipated if it has diarrhea? The hard, dry stool sits in the colon and causes irritation resulting in fluid being produced. This fluid mixes with the surface of the stool, softening it and allowing it to pass past the constipation."

In my case it was just leaking out.

 

[catsknowme]

That is exactly what happened to my daughter's cat and it happens to people with Crohns disease. I am glad that you are finding good information - technically, constipation is lack of moisture in the stools. Sometimes just the miralax helps, other times lactulose or a combo of both does the trick. Fiber is trickier - sometimes, esp in IBS and Crohns, it irritates the intestinal lining and the resulting swelling interferes with passing stools as well as causes burning cramps.

 

[jackal2001]

Got home and still no poop.