Emergency Furball question

Does any one have any experience with furballs that have caused a blockage serious enough for a vet to be considering operating to get it out?

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http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...threadid=23189

Also a sign of large intestinal diarrhoea ('colitis'). Once cats develop severe constipation with a colon full of faeces, they will lose their appetite and may even start vomiting. Lethargy and dehydration will follow.

"Initially your cat may need intravenous fluids, as many cats are dehydrated as a result of
inappetence and vomiting. If the constipation is severe an enema will be necessary to
remove the obstructing faeces, or in severe cases an anaesthetic may have to be given to
allow removal of impacted faeces. As a general rule for management of constipation it is
important to try to make the faeces as soft as possible to make them easier to pass. Fresh
water needs to be available at all times. Changing from a dry food to a tinned food may be
useful as the total water in a tinned food is higher than in dry. Adding fibre to the food may
help, and medication to soften stools may also be necessary.

In most cases constipation can be managed, although not always cured. Some cats do need
special diets and medication for life."