cat has mega colon

my cat has problems with constipation all the time my vet talked to me about surgery but i don,t have that kind of money i have tryed lactulose  laxatone  lax-eze  and notching is working i heard about this product called propulcid and vetasyl my cat is 8 yrs old and i lost his brother 8 months ago to liver disease and i am not putting him to sleep can you tell me anything about these products and can they help him

[Bernadine Cruz, D.V.M.]

I am sorry to learn that you cat has a megacolon.  This is a fairly common condition in older cats.  Cats have one of the longest colons of domesticated animals.  As we and our pets age, constipation can be an all too frequent occurence.  Treatment isn't always successful but I think there are some additional steps you can try.  

Keep your cat well hydrated is critical.  Many cats like running, fresh water.  If you don't have a cat recirculating fountain, I would suggest that you invest in one.  Getting more fiber into a cat's diet is sometimes easier said than done.  I have had good success in adding the human, over the counter product, Benefiber to a cat's diet.  Try a teaspoon of the powder to each meal.  If the pet's stool becomes too soft, back off on the amount that is given.  

Sometimes enemas are needed.  I don't recommend that you try this at home.  I prefer if owners try the over the counter stool softener, 'Colace'.  The generic form is fine.  Give 2 capsules 2 to 4 times per week depending on the frequency and quality of the stool.  The capsules are not toxic but if the cat bites the capsule, it can cause it to salivate excessively.  I like using a cat pilling device to get the capsules past the base of the tongue.  

I have also found that the probiotics in Activia helps cats and people with irregularity issues.  You may offer a tablespoon of this yogurt 1 to 2 times per day.  

You may need to continue the lactulose.  Before you start any of the suggestions that I have given you, please speak to your primary care veterinarian.

All the best...
Dr. Bernadine

[Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM]

As a holistic veterinarian, a few weeks ago a veterinarian contacted me about a cat, that sounds very similar to yours. This cat was 18 years old, had arthritis due to multiple pelvic fractures, megacolon and was unable to defecate without daily enemas and fluids. The owner was considering euthanasia.

As a last resort, we started the cat on an all-natural vitamin supplement, patented for cats called Paaws. The cat defecated that evening, began grooming herself and even started climbing up and down the stairs which according to the owner, is something the cat had not done for years. Its been about a month and the cat has continued to defecate normally and has not needed any more enemas or fluids.

The Paaws vitamins are not a guarantee but might be worth a try.

I hope this is somewhat helpful and am glad to discuss with you.

Best Wishes
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM