Constipation

Constipation can be defined as the infrequent, incomplete or difficult defecation with passage of hard or dry feces.  Prolonged constipation can lead to full obstipation in which defecation is impossible in the pet.  Pet owners may notice their pet is straining with no stool produced.  Constipation occurs more commonly in cats than dogs.  Obese, inactive and geriatric cats are more prone to constipation.  Dietary causes of constipation can include ingestion of bones, hair or foreign objects as well as inadequate consumption of water.  Dietary causes of constipation is the common reason for the condition in dogs.  In both species, constipation can be due to infected or impacted anal glands in which defecation becomes painful to the pet.  Signs of constipation include:

• straining to produce stool
• hard, dry feces
• infrequent defecation
• small amounts of liquid, mucusy stool often with blood present produced from straining
• vomiting
• inappetance
• depression

Unfortunately by the time pet owners notice their pet is constipated, it is too late to try to fix the condition by giving any oral medications or fiber supplements.  If you feel your pet is constipated, have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  The longer the pet is constipated, the more likely the pet will become fully obstipated.  In this case, the pet may need to be anesthetized and the stool will need to be manually removed.  Additionally, the pet may be hospitalized on IV fluids as part of their treatment.  The pet may then be placed on medications or supplements and possibly a new diet to help prevent constipation in the future depending on the initial cause.  If your cat is straining in its litterbox, note whether it is straining to defecate or urinate.  Owners may easily confuse the two.  If the cat is in fact straining to pass urine, this is an emergency and must be dealt with immediately.