Megacolon/Blood in urine/multiple issues!
Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:43 am
Hi
I adopted a kitty with hind limb paralysis about 2 years ago. Since day 1, it was evident that he had constipation issues, although he is fully continent and uses a flat tray.
Ben has suspected Megacolon and had to be de-obstipated 3 times so far. I am trying to manage this condition with lactulose, cisapride and soapy water enemas.
Last Thursday, Ben had blood is in urine, so off we went to the vets. He has been prescribed Synulox but now into day 4 of treatment, & his urine (which was looking a more normal colour last night) has gone back to being red.
On Thursday, my vet was more concerned that in less than 6 months, Ben's weight has dropped from 3.3KG down to 2.495KG. I've just wormed him with a milbemax alternative, as per my Vet, to see if it is a parasite issue causing the weight loss. I also had Ben tested and he is FIV+! Poor guy has so many issues to contend with.
My Vets have just called me back and said that they can take a sterile urine sample & give Ben an anti-inflammatory. If there's no improvement when I go home, I will get Ben booked in for tonight (he's due a check up on Thursday).
I guess what I am asking is, how do I approach all of this holistically as opposed to just dealing with individual issues?
Here are what I would say Ben's issues are medically: -
* FIV (immune suppression - possibly needs stronger antibiotics or a more prolonged course of treatment when he has any infections - he often has a snotty nose. I have started giving Ben Mega C Plus to boost his immune system &
historically, have given him a supplement containing l-lysine.)
* Hind limb paralysis (Ben's back legs look weaker due to muscle wastage & he doesn't like me touching them - what can I do to ease any discomfort he has?)
* (Suspected) megacolon (stools seem to build up and get too bulky and firm to pass; Ben has cisapride and lactulose. I only feed wet food and add more water. I give soapy water enemas when needed).
* Ben is drinking like a fish and has been for the last month or so. Blood profile does not indicate any kidney issues or Diabetes. He won't use his water fountain. His appetite is poor, mostly if he hasn't had a bowel movement for a couple
days (he probably has nausea at those times), or, if he has a snotty nose. His coat often looks 'ruffled' and he is losing weight. The poor appetite, weight loss and ruffled coat seem to go hand in hand with Megacolon, but what if we're
missing something?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Susie
I adopted a kitty with hind limb paralysis about 2 years ago. Since day 1, it was evident that he had constipation issues, although he is fully continent and uses a flat tray.
Ben has suspected Megacolon and had to be de-obstipated 3 times so far. I am trying to manage this condition with lactulose, cisapride and soapy water enemas.
Last Thursday, Ben had blood is in urine, so off we went to the vets. He has been prescribed Synulox but now into day 4 of treatment, & his urine (which was looking a more normal colour last night) has gone back to being red.
On Thursday, my vet was more concerned that in less than 6 months, Ben's weight has dropped from 3.3KG down to 2.495KG. I've just wormed him with a milbemax alternative, as per my Vet, to see if it is a parasite issue causing the weight loss. I also had Ben tested and he is FIV+! Poor guy has so many issues to contend with.
My Vets have just called me back and said that they can take a sterile urine sample & give Ben an anti-inflammatory. If there's no improvement when I go home, I will get Ben booked in for tonight (he's due a check up on Thursday).
I guess what I am asking is, how do I approach all of this holistically as opposed to just dealing with individual issues?
Here are what I would say Ben's issues are medically: -
* FIV (immune suppression - possibly needs stronger antibiotics or a more prolonged course of treatment when he has any infections - he often has a snotty nose. I have started giving Ben Mega C Plus to boost his immune system &
historically, have given him a supplement containing l-lysine.)
* Hind limb paralysis (Ben's back legs look weaker due to muscle wastage & he doesn't like me touching them - what can I do to ease any discomfort he has?)
* (Suspected) megacolon (stools seem to build up and get too bulky and firm to pass; Ben has cisapride and lactulose. I only feed wet food and add more water. I give soapy water enemas when needed).
* Ben is drinking like a fish and has been for the last month or so. Blood profile does not indicate any kidney issues or Diabetes. He won't use his water fountain. His appetite is poor, mostly if he hasn't had a bowel movement for a couple
days (he probably has nausea at those times), or, if he has a snotty nose. His coat often looks 'ruffled' and he is losing weight. The poor appetite, weight loss and ruffled coat seem to go hand in hand with Megacolon, but what if we're
missing something?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Susie