Dosage for Lactulose and Pumpkin?

[Dar]

Aloha Tracy, Davet and all -

Just a note to say hello from Maui and to let you know that Maui has been good for us and also for Smokie. She will be 17 in Sept. and looks great, she's always been a wee thing between 5 - 6 lbs. and still is. (My website seems to work better now if you want to see our paradise and our babies.)

She's having some bowel problems which she has had all her life, she is on Lactulose 2 cc. a day and now we've added 3 cc of pumpkin. All of this is of course administered orally by syringe, which most of the time she just gives in to.

She is crying less when she has to poop, but her stool is still very hard. At her age and weight, am I safe to increase it even more or do you have any more ideas? She will not eat the Metamucil or anything on her food, and at 5 lbs., I can't afford for her not to eat.

She is still on Science Diet K/D mixed with a little Senior and we give her SubQ fluids about once a week.

Thanks again, the last two months have finally been rainy in Maui and the island is beautiful. It was very dry last year.

[Traci]

Hey Dar, thanks for the update

I don't think I would increase the pumpkin....but you can go as high as 5 ml with the lactulose....also talk to your vet about the frequency in dosing it...for example, are you giving it once a day only? You can give it every 6-8 hours if required, maybe ask your vet for his opinion on that (and appropriate dosing). Another option is trying to administer rectally (5-10 ml lactulose diluted with water, 1:3 formulation)...but do ask your vet before attempting.

Are you feeding her dry or canned food? If dry, try switching to canned, and maybe add a bit of water to it for added moisture content.

[Dar]

Thanks again Traci -

We're going to the vet tomorrow just to make sure everything is OK, I'll let you know.

I hope all is well with you, you do such a great job for all of us!