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my cat has had on-going constipation issues for a couple years. i have tried adding cooked butternut squash, psyllium powder and bone meal to his raw beef diet to no avail. do you have any suggestions? otherwise, he is a 14 year old, healthy, fixed male. mara domingue

my cat has had on-going constipation issues for a couple years. i have tried adding cooked butternut squash, psyllium powder and bone meal to his raw beef diet to no avail. do you have any suggestions? otherwise, he is a 14 year old, healthy, fixed male. mara domingue

Updated On September 19th, 2017

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11 lbs

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

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Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! Some cats, as they get older, can develop constipation. Some of these cats can develop a condition known as megacolon in which feces becomes trapped and difficult to pass for the cat which leads to constipation, very painful constipation. In older cats with constipation I will recommend adding fiber capsules to the diet such as Vetasyl Feline fiber supplement capsules that you sprinkle over the food. In bad cases of constipation, I will perform an enema and then place the cat on a medication called Lactulose. This last method is quite effective at managing chronic constipation. I would try the vetasyl capsules and if there is no improvement, I would suggest having your veterinarian take a look at Spot to discuss long term management with a drug like lactulose. Also, when your vet performed in exam, he / she may also find out what the cause of the constipation is. A rectal exam should be performed and possible ultrasound to ensure that there is not a tumor / mass in the colon / rectal area causing the constipation. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available by phone or text based consultation if needed.

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