Update

[lexin]

According to the vet, and following the x-ray, Smokey "probably" has...constipation.

I didn't know constipation could be so painful, she's been so miserable, and for days.

With two sets of blood tests and an x-ray, I'm considerably poorer. She's insured, but there's a 20% co-pay because she's over 15.

I do hope the vet is right. She's going to give her an enema (Smokey won't like that) and a drug to help her move her bowels.

Poor Smokey.

Comments

[aunty_marion]

Probably TMI, but I once had constipation that was extremely painful, and the bowels were leaking liquid faeces round the blockage. Which was HORRIBLE. (And which is why I now keep both diarrhoea *and* constipation remedies in the medicine cabinet.) I am in full sympathy with Smokey (and your wallet...).

[clothsprogs]

{nods} I've experienced similar.

Teddy

[fox]

I don't know about cats, but I have known human children (both infants and older kids) who have had constipation that sent them to the emergency room. I myself had an extremely uncomfortable few days apparently right on schedule early in my pregnancy when I couldn't do anything for it except eat more fruit. I've learned that constipation is Not To Be Trifled With. Hope Smokey's situation improves.

[lexin]

Thank you!

[julesjones]

Also TMI, but as a young adult I once woke up in the middle of the night with what felt enough like appendicitis that even with it being on the wrong side I went to A&E to make sure it wasn't, where they diagnosed it as severe constipation. It's not fun even when you understand what's happening. :-(

[lexin]

I know. Poor kitty.

[corvidology]

I didn't think I'd ever have reason to type 'I'm glad it's only constipation.'

While I've been lucky myself *touch wood* I know quite a few adults who've told me it can be excruciating!

[lexin]

"Only" constipation, she has been so miserable, poor baby.

[stranger]

Beloved cat past (see icon) had constipation, including one traumatic episode of vet intervention enema. After that, on advice, I gave him laxative powder, a brand meant for humans but at 1/10 or 1/12 dose, just sprinkled on his food once a day. That put him back to normal poo-ing in a box, and he seemed happier overall.

[lexin]

I've bought an animal laxative, which I will use when the Lactulose runs out. Unless I can buy more Lactulose.

[watervole]

Poor Smokey. I do hope the vet is correct.

[lexin]

So do I.

[kotturinn]

Poor Smokey. Hopefully the treatment solves things.

[lexin]

I hope so.

[marcelo]

If I were religious I'd be doing that sort of thing. Think of you two very much on this.

[lexin]

Thank you.

[bluewolf458]

Oh, poor Smokey! Though in some ways constipation is 'only' and not something a lot more serious. Hope the vet's treatment clears it all.

[lexin]

I hope so, too.

[lyorn]

Poor Smokey. But, as others have said, as least it's not something worse.

Tully the Tabby got lactulose when he was constipated, I have always wondered if a bit of cream would not have worked just as well and made him happier...

[lexin]

That may be worth a try.

[clothsprogs]

Also probably too much information...

Years ago, Minnie, one of our previous cats, needed a vet trip with what turned out to be constipation. We were told to add generous amounts of cod liver oil to her food.

We have never seen such a long poo come out of a cat, she was literally walking away from it and it was still coming out a foot later.

Teddy

[lexin]

Ugh! I hope that doesn't happen to Smokey.

[clothsprogs]

Well, it wsn't pleasnant, but if it's what it takes to clear out the blockage....

Teddy