Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors and treatment results for cats with constipation
By Benjamin, Sarah E & Drobatz, Kenneth J·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2020·Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Retrospective evaluation of risk factors and treatment outcome predictors in cats presenting to the emergency room for constipation.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old overweight cat was brought to the emergency room for constipation, a common issue that can be frustrating for both pets and their owners. The study found that older cats, especially those with a history of constipation or chronic kidney disease, are at a higher risk for this problem. While enemas were used to help relieve the constipation, cats that were painful during the exam were less likely to have a successful outcome. Additional treatments like fluids and laxatives seemed to help, but more research is needed to find the best treatment options for these cases.
People also search for: cat constipation treatment · why is my cat not pooping · older cat kidney disease symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Constipation is a common complaint in cats presenting to the emergency room and can become a frustrating recurrent condition. Despite widespread anecdotal reports of risk factors for constipation, at the time of writing there have been no studies supporting these associations or assessing treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors in the signalment, history, physical examination and clinicopathologic findings of cats presenting to the emergency room for constipation. In addition, we aimed to assess factors contributing to the success or failure of enemas administered to these cats. METHODS: A medical record search identified 189 cats with a diagnosis of constipation/obstipation that were treated and discharged by the emergency service at an academic veterinary hospital. Data regarding signalment, medical history, physical examination and clinicopathologic findings, as well as treatments performed, were recorded. Ninety-nine cats presenting to the emergency room for other reasons were identified as controls. Statistical analysis was performed to assess risk factors for constipation, as well as success/failure of enema treatments. RESULTS: Older, overweight cats and cats with chronic kidney disease or previous episodes of constipation were found to be at increased risk of constipation (<0.0001,= 0.0004,= 0.0046 and<0.0001, respectively). Ionized calcium levels were significantly higher in constipated cats, though varied significantly within the cohort (= 0.0133). Cats noted to be painful on abdominal palpation were less likely to defecate following an enema. Adjunctive treatments (fluids, laxatives) increased the likelihood of a successful enema but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Older, overweight cats with a history of constipation or chronic kidney disease are more likely to present for constipation. Further studies are needed to determine the most appropriate treatment protocol in an urgent care setting.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30834807/