sonny
August 30th, 2004, 01:49 AM
My 16 year old cat Bella was given an enema three days ago and has not been the same since. she's eating(not alot) but drinking plenty of water. she has not gone to the bathroom since releiving herself after the enema was given to her. Bella was put on a special diet k/d due to the fact her liver and kidney's are starting to fail. She's not enjoying her new food so I'm mixing it with her old food. I don't know if she's eating enough and maybe that's why she hasn't gone to the bathroom. The Dr. ruled out megacolon. Every since the enema she doesn't seem to want any part of her litter box. I'm concerned she's blocked up although she does not appear to be in any pain. any suggestions? any advice on how to get my Bella to eat her new food. I'm sick with worry she's not getting enough nutrients from the little food she's eating. Help!
chico2
August 30th, 2004, 07:07 AM
Sonny,I have no idea and have never heard of a cat getting an enema :confused:
However I feel for the old kitty,she is obviously in distress and calling the vet again would be a good idea.
When my diabetic cat(17yrs) was near his end,I fed him whatever he liked,I would not try to feed a sick elderly cat something she won't eat...since your Bella is obviously a very sick cat and needs all the strength she can muster.
I might get angry feedback for saying this,but I would make her as comfy as possible,not feeding her something that would hurt her more,but at least something she likes.
Also,I would not torture her with any more invasive procedures,unless it can cure her of her illness.
But this is only my opinion,not that of pets.ca.
Best of luck to you and Bella :)
SSAC
August 30th, 2004, 12:11 PM
I would have the vet take another look. Ask him about a high fiber diet. She may need another enema, which isn't uncommom in older cats. My personal belief is at her age and with ailing health, I'd be happy that she's eating. Not eating can be just as hard on the liver.
My own cat is 19, in renal failure. She should be eating a low protein diet, at this stage, (and the vet agrees) it's as long as she eats, doesn't vomit and can use the litter box and isn't in pain.
Has your vet offered lactulose? It's a sticky liquid that's given orally, that helps cats defecate. It would be nice to avoid another enema, if the vet can.
sonny
August 30th, 2004, 01:00 PM
sammi,
thnak you for your response. I just came back from another visit with the vet. They gave me different food for her to try but it's not low protein which is better for older cats. At this point we just want to get food in her. the Dr. suggested another enema but I don't want to put her through that pain again so I was given Laxatone which I believe is the sticky stuff you suggested. I'm hoping this will help her go to the bathroom. Thanks for your advice. your kitty is in my prayers.
Sonny
SSAC
August 30th, 2004, 01:55 PM
Thanks Sonny, I know that Miss Gray (aka macy) is on borrowed time, but she's happy, eating, drinking and even plays (though rare). Basically, when her quality of life goes downhill or she starts to vomit (not a good sign in a renal cat). We will take that last trip to the vet.
She's not going on IV fluids, she's 19 and personally at that point, I believe that I'd be pro-longing her death rather than her life :(
However so far so good, cherished moments :)
I hope your baby fairs well :)