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Expert: - 7/7/2008


Question
Hi Karen, my eldest cat (16yrs) was diagnosed with CRF about 1.5 ago. One of the symptoms is
constipation. I give him Lactulose, pumpkin filling and put Benefiber in his food. I hydrate him everyday
with 200ml lactated ringer solution. He has good runs of about 2 months, but then goes through a rough
time and I have to give him an enema (warm water and ivory soap). Sometimes the first enema doesn't
work and I have to give him a second one. Karen, how many enemas is it safe to give him in a short
period of tome? I don't like to take him to the vet for manual removal of the feces because of the
anesthesia (it now takes him longer to come out of it) and of course the cost. The enemas seem to be
the only viable solution, but I don't want to overdo it. I love my cats, and Mozart has been with me for 16
years. I know he is terminal, but to look at him you couldn't tell. He eats and though his energy is not
what it used to be, he is happy. Do you have any further suggestions? This Saturday was rough for him
and I want to help him be able to deal with the constipation the least painful way.


Thank you in advance.

Mari

Answer
Hi Mari,


Warm water and soap enamas are very safe. You can safely give him the second one without worry. Did your vet ever mention to you about changing his diet to a low residue diet? Something like Eukanuba Low Residue Feline might help. Ask him about this. There is new research that suggests that rather than a high fiber diet, a low residue diet works better. You can also add mineral oil to his food. This will help. These changes shouldn't hurt him with his kidney disease. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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