Cat hasn't had bowel movement in 7 days

bugmankeith · Sep 18, 2015

I boarded my cat for 6 days at the vet so they could treat her bad ear infection which looks good now. I was relucatant because from the past she doesn't do well boarding.
However the vets had been lying to me about the care they gave and treated my cat very rough and barely listened to my instructions,

They claim she had been eating while there but I had never been allowed to see where she was staying so I have no proof she ate and she wouldn't eat for me. I told them the first day, PLEASE call me daily to make sure she is going to the bathroom. My cat is so terrified being away from home and in the past we went away for 3 days and she never ate or went to the bathroom and the vets were concerned about leaving her longer, that was our old vet.

The vets had never called me and when I went to visit I got an "I don't know" about her going. I figured because her ears were so bad leaving her there was more important for a few more days.

So the last day I asked if she went and they said "oh she never went so we've been giving her laxatives but she still hasn't gone". Not only did they lie, they gave her stuff without asking first!

I immedietly says she is going home today and brought her home.

She was on ear drops and convenia shot for secondary infection. Plus laxative.

I don't know if she hadn't eaten in 6 days or probably her stress was off the charts and her digestive system is out of whack or what? Last time we brought her home and she went soon after.

She's been home a day and besides tiny bit of pee no bowel movement making it 7 days! She is drinking a lot of water and eating very little and sleeping all day, not normal behavior.

I gave extra canned food, grass, and I'm going to buy a little tuna, this usually makes her go. If she doesn't I'm worried and after all the trauma she's been to and I don't trust the vet I don't know what to do!

I'm hoping she goes soon but now another vet that has hurt my cat [emoji]128549[/emoji]

red top rescue · Sep 18, 2015

Convenia can have side effects like you are mentioning. You should Google it and read up about it. It is a very long lasting drug and once in their system, it stays for 65 days, so if there are side effects, there is nothing you can do about them other than treat your animal for the side effects. Not all animals have serious side effects, but the drug was initially created to treat skin infections in dogs. I have "No Convenia" written on all my cats' charts at the vet, not that my own vet uses it much, but he is not always there so you never know.

One of the suggestions given if Convenia IS used is that you need to give your cat probiotics, because the Convenia will kill off the intestinal bacteria and they cannot reproduce because the drug stays in the system so long. So I would start with a good general probiotic for cats (check our Nutrition Forum). . "Convenia" was so named because it's a one-shot deal and thus Convenient, but unless your cat is impossible to handle, there are safer antibiotics and usually better ones to use. Convenia works best against skin infections. It is good she is drinking lots of water as that will help flush it out of her system faster. You might encourage her drinking by trying goat's milk, which is available in the dairy section of most large supermarket chains, including Walmart. Fresh goat's milk would be better if there is a dairy nearby because it would have some of the probiotics that she so badly needs.

BTW I would suggest you might want to change vets in the future. It sounds like this group is not very strong on client or patient services. There is really NO reason to use Convenia on a hospitalized animal unless it is specifically indicated for a skin infection. That's just plain lazy, in my opinion. A hospitalized animal can easily be given another antibiotic once or twice a day, and if they have any side effects, the vet can stop that antibiotic and try another one, because the first one will clear the body in a day at most. Not so with Convenia.

You have not added your location to your profile so I cannot see where you live, but if you are in the U.S. or Canada, you can probably find an AAHA approved veterinary hospital with hopefully at least one feline specialist on staff. Here is a link to find one - just scroll down, fill in your location and search: https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about_aaha/hospital_search/default.aspx

bugmankeith · Sep 18, 2015

Red Top Rescue said:
Convenia can have side effects like you are mentioning. You should Google it and read up about it. It is a very long lasting drug and once in their system, it stays for 65 days, so if there are side effects, there is nothing you can do about them other than treat your animal for the side effects. Not all animals have serious side effects, but the drug was initially created to treat skin infections in dogs. I have "No Convenia" written on all my cats' charts at the vet, not that my own vet uses it much, but he is not always there so you never know.

One of the suggestions given if Convenia IS used is that you need to give your cat probiotics, because the Convenia will kill off the intestinal bacteria and they cannot reproduce because the drug stays in the system so long. So I would start with a good general probiotic for cats (check our Nutrition Forum). . "Convenia" was so named because it's a one-shot deal and thus Convenient, but unless your cat is impossible to handle, there are safer antibiotics and usually better ones to use. Convenia works best against skin infections. It is good she is drinking lots of water as that will help flush it out of her system faster. You might encourage her drinking by trying goat's milk, which is available in the dairy section of most large supermarket chains, including Walmart. Fresh goat's milk would be better if there is a dairy nearby because it would have some of the probiotics that she so badly needs.

BTW I would suggest you might want to change vets in the future. It sounds like this group is not very strong on client or patient services. There is really NO reason to use Convenia on a hospitalized animal unless it is specifically indicated for a skin infection. That's just plain lazy, in my opinion. A hospitalized animal can easily be given another antibiotic once or twice a day, and if they have any side effects, the vet can stop that antibiotic and try another one, because the first one will clear the body in a day at most. Not so with Convenia.

You have not added your location to your profile so I cannot see where you live, but if you are in the U.S. or Canada, you can probably find an AAHA approved veterinary hospital with hopefully at least one feline specialist on staff. Here is a link to find one - just scroll down, fill in your location and search: https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about_aaha/hospital_search/default.aspx

This is horrible! The vet told me it only lasts 15 days because I stressed I don't want much antibiotic and I can give oral antibiotics, she lied to me. Should I report the vet for malpractice? This should be against the law to do this.

stephanietx · Sep 18, 2015

I don't know if you want to report her for malpractice as Convenia has become such a widely-used and often-used drug for more than its original intention. I'm very anti-Convenia for my pets and have the big "NO CONVENIA" written on all their charts. I do realize it has its place in certain situations such as treating ferals with infections. Two of my cats have been given Convenia and they both were very lethargic and barely ate anything for about 10 days when the effects started wearing off. It was very frustrating and scary for me. They were like zombies.

If you're concerned about your cat, get her to a different vet and ask them for some fluids to help flush her system. Continue trying to get her to eat and if needed, syringe feed her with a syringe or large baby medicine dropper. Keep a close eye on her.

Definitely, find a new vet. This one doesn't seem very competent in communicating with owners.

bugmankeith · Sep 18, 2015

stephanietx said:
I don't know if you want to report her for malpractice as Convenia has become such a widely-used and often-used drug for more than its original intention. I'm very anti-Convenia for my pets and have the big "NO CONVENIA" written on all their charts. I do realize it has its place in certain situations such as treating ferals with infections. Two of my cats have been given Convenia and they both were very lethargic and barely ate anything for about 10 days when the effects started wearing off. It was very frustrating and scary for me. They were like zombies.

If you're concerned about your cat, get her to a different vet and ask them for some fluids to help flush her system. Continue trying to get her to eat and if needed, syringe feed her with a syringe or large baby medicine dropper. Keep a close eye on her.

Definitely, find a new vet. This one doesn't seem very competent in communicating with owners.

What I mean is, if the vet said it lasts 15 days, and it lasts 60, and the vet never mentioned risks or followed up asking how my cat is, not only is she lying about the dosage, but the risks, is that legal?

My cat tonight has eaten normally where yesterday she didn't, no sign of using the bathroom but I'm hoping she will go soon! I have her on probiotics, do I need to do this for 60 days?

stephanietx · Sep 18, 2015

I think she (the vet) gave you partial information. Most of the drug wears off in 15 days, but then it lingers in their system for longer than that. Antibiotics for humans do the same thing. Is it legal? Yes. Is it good practice? No.

If she's not been eating normally, she won't have much to eliminate. Getting her back to eating more, more regularly, and to her normal amount of food will help increase the output.

red top rescue · Sep 19, 2015

I did give SIMPLIFIED information but referred you to find more in depth information by searching different places. Thevet was not wrong when he/she said the antibiotic effect lasts two weeks, but failed to tell you enough about it, for instance that the drug stays in the system 65 days at a lower level. That's why it is advisable to give probiotics throughout the entire course, and most of the adverse effects can be prevented by starting probiotics when the drug is first given. No, it is NOT malpractice, but I agree with @stephanietx that I don't want it used on my cats. It does have its places and is certainly useful in dealing with feral cats who need two weeks of an antibiotic but will never be caught again after release. Some vets use it to make sure the cat gets a full two weeks of medicine because many clients will just stop a medication once the symptoms go away. I think it's disrespectful for them to assume that, but perhaps they know some of their clientele will ot complete the course of antibiotics and that can cause problems too. The drug companies push drugs like this based on "convenience" and "simplicity" and you might be surprised about how many vets never investigate anything new, they just take the drug salesman's word about it. Because of this, it is always advisable for owners to keep on top of everything new before allowing it to be used on their animal. Stick to the tried and true things that have been used successfully for years unless there is a real reason to try something new, and then check the internet for "reactions to ______" or "possible side effect of _______" before allowing a new drug on or in your animal. BTW this is true of human medicine as well!! Right now you can see a TV praising Xarelto, an anticoagulant, right next to another TV ad from attorneys saying please contact them if you or a loved one have had serious side effects including death from this drug because you may be entitled to compensation.

It really is up to us to keep informed.

fyllis · Sep 19, 2015

Convenia is a cephalosporin which is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Cephalosporins come in pills, ointments, and injections.

The side effects for all of these, as well as most all other antibiotics such as penicillin, are the same.

Diarrhea is probably the most common side effect with any antibiotic because they destroy the 'normal' or 'good' flora (bacteria) in the GI tract. It is wise to always give a probiotic during the duration of the antibiotic because it will replenish the good bacteria.

As far as the vet lying about the dosage, you never mentioned the dosage that was given, which would have been 3.6mg/lb. If you are referring to the longevity of the medication in the system, they were correct in stating 15 days. That is the basic length of theraputic level; however, there is residual that could take longer to completely flush from the system.

In April of this year, I had to take one of my cats to the vet because during a session of "rough play" he was bitten pretty severely on the head by his brother. The puncture wound was fairly deep and ultimately became infected and he needed antibiotic treatment.

Yes! Cat bites are as serious and devastating to cats as they are to humans. Both of my cats are well vetted, up on all their shots, and are strictly indoors.

Being a nurse for over 20 years, I discussed options with my vet. He recommended Convenia for a couple reasons. 1. Keeker is not the most genteel of cats and he does not like to be held or handled - that is just his personality and I respect that. I also didn't want to subject myself to a cat bite. 2. Because he had an open head wound which presented some inflammation, the vet felt that holding his head/face while attempting to insert the pill orally could be uncomfortable or painful for Keeker (which could prompt aggressive behavior. Again, leaving me open to a cat bite). Before giving the 'OK', I called my neice, who is a Pharmacist, and asked her opinion and she recommended it.

Keeker easily accepted the SQ injection and, because this was his first time ever being given an antibiotic, I stayed in the waiting room with him for an hour to observe for any allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). He was perfectly fine.

Because of the severity of the bite, he did develop a dermatitis and was prescribed TresaDerm which also has a side effect of vomiting and diarrhea, as well as behavioral changes and (with prolonged use) suppression of the immune system and function of the adrenal glands. He suffered no ill effects.

(You mentioned that your cat was also given ear drops, but you didn't mention which one. Did you ask or research the potential side effects of that as well?)

After I got him home, I ran up to the store and bought a few containers of non-dairy yogurt with live bacteria in it and he was given a teaspoonful twice a day for two months. The ironic thing is, he loved it and so did his brother, so that has become a routine treat for both of them now and their stools are regular and consistent.

He had absolutely no side effects and there was no change in his behavior. It took about 3 weeks for his wound to completely heal. However, because 'boys will be boys' and they continue to play aggressively at times (you would think they were WWF wrestlers!) I do check them periodically for wounds or injuries, especially after they have had a bout.

It's difficult to fathom any vet not being able to address the problem of separation anxiety as it is very common with pets.

If your cat stayed in the hospital for 6 days and not eating (did you provide them with food that she is accustomed to? Or was she given food provided by the vet? A change in diet could have exacerbated her refusal to eat), I feel confident that she would have been given I.V. fluids with nutrition (possibly why there have been no stools - if it doesn't go in, it's not going to come out). However, you say that you were told she was given a laxative. I'm curious how they discovered the need to give a laxative unless there was a palpated mass in the abdomen or something showed on an x-ray. And surely, they would know that a side effect of Convenia is anorexia/decreased appetite.

In any case, I think it would have been responsible for the vet to call and question you more thoroughly on her bowel habits and discuss treatment options before taking action.

The one thing that stands out in your post is that you stated, "...treated my cat very rough...". What brought you to that conclusion, and when did you realise she was being treated roughly? How was that handled? Because an accusation that a vet mistreated an animal would need substantiated proof and 'could' warrant legal action IF proven.

Finally, in closing, you made the comment, "I'm hoping she goes soon but now another vet that has hurt my cat". Should I surmise you had a previous vet who also mistreated and/or harmed your cat?

From what you have posted, I don't believe your vet did anything illegal at all. Was his/her 'bedside manner' sufficient? It might have been a bit lax in my opinion, but I am basing that solely on the information you provided and my relationship with my vet(s) who are very thorough and open to discussion, as well as involving me in all aspects of their direct care.

All in all, it is OUR responsibility as pet owners to take the initiative to provide the best and highest quality of care for them. This requires more than dropping them at the vets (I am speaking in general and not making any accusations here). If you own a pet, you need to know your pet inside and out. This includes their behavior, personality, eating and toileting habits, and full medical history, including allergies and drug sensitivities. (I have all records of my cats vet visits from first to last, as well as every note, question, and answer during each visit attached to copies of the records). It is also our responsibility to ask, ask, ask questions!

There are truly too many unanswered questions and most of what I have said is a reiteration of what Red Top Rescue has already covered.

And I agree with her in that you should consider finding a new vet. However, be very explicit about your concerns and put your 'instructions' in writing (it might be wise to type them up, make a copy and have the vet sign it and post it on her carrier/cage so everyone is on the same page, as it seems poor communication is a major factor between you and your vets).

I wish you and your cat the best and hope that she is doing well.

Cat hasn't had bowel movement in 7 days

bugmankeith

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red top rescue

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stephanietx

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fyllis

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