I posted about Pumpkin's tummy problems before, but the last thread was awhile back, so I thought I'd start this one.
Pumpkin had two decent bowel movements in one day (the day before yesterday), so I was thrilled. Yesterday he cranked out one little piece. I didn't see if he strained yesterday as I was in the other room. Today he cranked out two small and rather firm pieces, and he strained.
I called the vet. He said as long as Pumpkin is eating and drinking and otherwise acting normal, then just keep an eye on it. He asked if Pumpkin was going to the litterbox multiple times, straining and not producing any poop and I said no. His Laxatone was increased to three times a day about a week ago. Now the vet is telling me I can give him Colace too.
One 50mg capsule once a day. He said I have to be careful about what to give him as firm stools can turn into diarrhea quickly. Being one who went through a strangulated hernia and bowel obstruction, I would prefer diarrhea to constipation any day! Anyway, the vet said I can give him the Colace each day and still keep Pumpkin on the Laxatone.
We discussed Lactulose too, which he said is by prescription only. The vet said that Lactulose would have to be given for life - I never heard that. So for now, Lactulose is off the table.
Pumpkin eats (when he feels like it), Meow Mix canned food. Pumpkin prefers dry food, which is a blend of Meow Mix Hairball Formula and Purina One Urinary Tract Formula. Plus he likes crunchy treats - Friskies Morning Blend, which I give him twice a day, several pieces at a time.
I'm trying to figure out why he's constipated yet again. He went through several tests a few months ago, none of which showed megacolon, a blockage, or whatever. Pumpkin was playful this morning. He enjoyed running with his laser light toy and sits in our picture window watching the birds. He's not acting sick at all, except when he strains to poop. The vet said if he was feeling very sick he would let me know.
Pumpkin has two water bowls, one of which he seems to prefer over the other. His stools seem too firm and dry. Does he need to increase his water intake? He seems to be drinking the usual amount of water, but I've been thinking about getting him a fountain in case that would encourage him to drink even more.
He ate his treats this morning and had some breakfast, and he's not throwing up. I'm at a loss as to what else I can do. Someone here suggested that I put him on a raw diet, but I can't do that. I'm concerned about bacteria issues. I'd give him higher-quality canned food, regardless of the cost, if only Pumpkin would eat it.
Btw, when this started to be an issue several months ago, someone suggested I give Pumpkin some canned "pumpkin." It didn't work and he threw it up.
Thoughts? I"m tearing my hair out and am worried sick about my little furball. Thanks.
Pumpkin had two decent bowel movements in one day (the day before yesterday), so I was thrilled. Yesterday he cranked out one little piece. I didn't see if he strained yesterday as I was in the other room. Today he cranked out two small and rather firm pieces, and he strained.
I called the vet. He said as long as Pumpkin is eating and drinking and otherwise acting normal, then just keep an eye on it. He asked if Pumpkin was going to the litterbox multiple times, straining and not producing any poop and I said no. His Laxatone was increased to three times a day about a week ago. Now the vet is telling me I can give him Colace too.
One 50mg capsule once a day. He said I have to be careful about what to give him as firm stools can turn into diarrhea quickly. Being one who went through a strangulated hernia and bowel obstruction, I would prefer diarrhea to constipation any day! Anyway, the vet said I can give him the Colace each day and still keep Pumpkin on the Laxatone.
We discussed Lactulose too, which he said is by prescription only. The vet said that Lactulose would have to be given for life - I never heard that. So for now, Lactulose is off the table.
Pumpkin eats (when he feels like it), Meow Mix canned food. Pumpkin prefers dry food, which is a blend of Meow Mix Hairball Formula and Purina One Urinary Tract Formula. Plus he likes crunchy treats - Friskies Morning Blend, which I give him twice a day, several pieces at a time.
I'm trying to figure out why he's constipated yet again. He went through several tests a few months ago, none of which showed megacolon, a blockage, or whatever. Pumpkin was playful this morning. He enjoyed running with his laser light toy and sits in our picture window watching the birds. He's not acting sick at all, except when he strains to poop. The vet said if he was feeling very sick he would let me know.
Pumpkin has two water bowls, one of which he seems to prefer over the other. His stools seem too firm and dry. Does he need to increase his water intake? He seems to be drinking the usual amount of water, but I've been thinking about getting him a fountain in case that would encourage him to drink even more.
He ate his treats this morning and had some breakfast, and he's not throwing up. I'm at a loss as to what else I can do. Someone here suggested that I put him on a raw diet, but I can't do that. I'm concerned about bacteria issues. I'd give him higher-quality canned food, regardless of the cost, if only Pumpkin would eat it.
Btw, when this started to be an issue several months ago, someone suggested I give Pumpkin some canned "pumpkin." It didn't work and he threw it up.
Thoughts? I"m tearing my hair out and am worried sick about my little furball. Thanks.
