IBD Diarrhea and DepoMedrol

I've posted a few times about the various problems Mikey has had the past 2-3 weeks and appreciate the advice I've gotten. The vet gave him a shot of DepoMedrol last week and it seemed to do the trick with the chronic diarrhea and vomiting he was having. He was totally back to himself this weekend, which thrilled me.

But it seems that every 2nd bowel movement he has is still pudding-like. He pops out a few good quality poops, then mashed potatoes (sorry for the imagery). Is it worrisome or could it be normal for him now? Should I give it a week or so? Is it even considered diarrhea or is it just soft stools?

Thanks!
Michelle

With any animal with a chronic condition any change should be cause for concern... watch it tonight and I would call the vet in the morning if it doesnt improve

Originally Posted by hatzy

Is it even considered diarrhea or is it just soft stools?

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I would call it soft, however I don't like to see it "not formed". What you're describing does not sound like it's "formed".

I agree with Sharky.

I'm glad to hear he has shown some improvement

I'm assuming your Mikey has been diagnosed with IBD? Unfortunately, I've got way too much experience with IBD. My Gabby & Nala both have it. I can tell you from experience with it that any unformed stool means the inflammation is not under control or something else is causing the diarrhea......in Gabby's case, it usually means we need to adjust her meds for a few days.

One trick we usually try with Gabby when her diarrhea doesn't want to respond to the Pred is to add Flagyl for a few days. It almost always works. Flagyl is just an antibiotic that has some anti-inflammatory properties to it that makes it a great addition to the Pred. Sometimes the loose stools are northing more than a bacterial imbalance in the intestines that Flagyl will straighten out within a day or so. That way, we don't have to increase her steroid dose (which we try to avoid if at all possible).

I'd definitely agree that you should call your vet & let them know so they can decide what adjustments to make in Mikey's treatment. Good Luck!!

Two vets in the office know our Mikey pretty well and we decided not to go through the biopsy testing to officially diagnose IBD. But both vets are fairly certain based on the data from the past couple of years. Mikey has had 2 bouts of vomiting/diarrhea that lasted more than a day that were resolved with flagyl and pepcid over the past 2 years.

This last bout responded to the flagyl, but not completely, which is why they went with the steroid. They did it by injection. The vet said some kitties need it every 6 weeks or so, but others only a couple times a year.

Since the injection, which was last Thursday, he has had only 1 pudding poo, which was on Monday. Otherwise, everything has been solid and picture-perfect. To me, that says it's under control. Only time will tell.

......and perhaps it is. I thought your original post said every 2nd bm was "pudding like" so that's why I'd mentioned that. Maybe I misread? At any rate, I'm so glad your kitty is picture perfect.....I read something different so I thought I'd try to help, obviously you didn't need it !

Originally Posted by hatzy

Two vets in the office know our Mikey pretty well and we decided not to go through the biopsy testing to officially diagnose IBD. But both vets are fairly certain based on the data from the past couple of years. Mikey has had 2 bouts of vomiting/diarrhea that lasted more than a day that were resolved with flagyl and pepcid over the past 2 years.

This last bout responded to the flagyl, but not completely, which is why they went with the steroid. They did it by injection. The vet said some kitties need it every 6 weeks or so, but others only a couple times a year.

Since the injection, which was last Thursday, he has had only 1 pudding poo, which was on Monday. Otherwise, everything has been solid and picture-perfect. To me, that says it's under control. Only time will tell.

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I mistyped 2 instead of 3 (just reread the post) He's been ok since early this week, so I really think he is okidokie. Occassional diarrhea is no cause for concern, although I've now become the "Poop Inspector".

Thanks for your advice angie, beandip, and sharky...I appreciate it.