Reasons of Constipation in Cats

Causes of Constipation in Cats

Constipation are often a drag for your cat all on its own, or it are often a symbol of another medical issue that your cat could also be affected by . the most job of the colon (also called the massive intestine) is to reabsorb water from fecal material that's passing through. Sometimes this will make stools dry, hard, and difficult for your cat to pass. Constipation may be a problem most ordinarily seen in middle aged to senior or geriatric cats. A constipated cat will have less frequent bowel movements or no bowel movements in the least . you'll also see your cat straining to defecate but only producing alittle amount of liquid stool. Some may jump to the conclusion that this is often diarrhea, but what's actually happening is that your cat is straining to defecate such a lot that they're propelling liquid stool round the formed stool before the colon features a chance to reabsorb the water content. Constipation are often caused by different ailments, like hairballs, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, dehydration, gastrointestinal disease, spinal disease or arthritic pain, tumors, and even electrolyte or hormonal imbalances.
One severe condition with constipation in cats is megacolon. Megacolon is strictly what it sounds like—the colon becomes overly dilated and therefore the muscles become weaker. It are often a primary condition, meaning it's what's causing your cat's constipation, but it also can be secondary to your cat's constipation. If your cat struggles with constipation due to another cause, like obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, spinal problems, etc. repeated episodes of constipation can cause megacolon in your cat.
It's important to understand that tons of the problems which will cause constipation in cats can cause concurrent symptoms. So if your cat is battling constipation you'll also see things like nausea, decreased appetite, increased urination, a rise or a decrease in drinking, weight or muscle loss, difficulty with getting into and out of the litter box, lethargy or maybe hiding more.

Treatment

Talking to your veterinarian is extremely important to try to to if you suggest your cat is constipated or susceptible to getting constipated. Here are some things which will help cats that are susceptible to constipation but don't take the place of veterinary care. Keeping track of your cat's litter pan daily so you recognize exactly when it goes and may monitor them. Increasing your cat's water intake, either with water fountains or by feeding your cat wet food instead of dry food may help. Keeping your cat fit and trim also can help prevent your cat from getting constipated. Creating a litter box with a coffee entry door and starting them on joint supplements as recommended by your veterinarian can help ease any arthritic pain which will make it difficult not just for your cat to urge into the litter box, but to also get into the position to defecate. Regular brushing and grooming, especially in long haired breeds, can help deter hairballs which will contribute to constipation. Finally, sometimes your veterinarian may recommend high fiber or hypoallergenic diets for your cat to possess a traditional movement .
If your cat hasn't had a movement in two to 3 days, your cat's constipation may require veterinary intervention. once you bring your cat to the vet for constipation they're going to first palpate your cat's abdomen to feel what proportion stool is made up within the colon. they'll also want to require radiographs (or X-rays) to verify constipation in your cat. Once your vet confirms that your cat is battling constipation, they'll want to offer your cat an special pet enema to undertake and help your cat along. Some cat's also need fluid therapy, either subcutaneously or intravenous, to replenish fluid loss and proper any electrolyte imbalances from their constipation. Your vet can also give your cat an injection of an anti-nausea medication as they'll vomit from straining after the enema. Some cat's that are susceptible to megacolon may require surgery counting on things .
Your vet also will be ready to recommend future medical management for you cat's constipation. they will start your cat on a stool softener to assist make them easier to pass or prescribe your cat a high fiber diet. Constipation may be a relatively common problem for cats, so if your cat is struggling, your vet can help both of you.