Fecal matter visibly stuck in rectum

[Beleriphon]

I have a two year old long haired (presumably Maine Coon). Early today Fizgig stopped eating, I hadn't noticed until he didn't come when I offered him a treat for his nail clipping.

He was hiding under my bed and wouldn't take a treat offered to him from my hand. So I managed to get him out with a bit of fuss, and he stinks to high heavens of poop. Sometime he gets fecal matter stuck in his fur around his butt because of the long hair. I figured it meant he needed a trim to keep his fur shorter. I took one look at his rear end and saw a rather good sized chunk of fecal matter sticking half out of his rectum. Concerned, this being 2am, I called our emergency vet line and was told to apply vaseline to the area to help loosen it up. I'm sure this is a load of horse hockey as he's obviously hurting. He'll be getting a prompt vet visit first thing in the morning.

Does anybody have any advice about how to help my little hairball now? I'm sure its the same as me being horribly consepated.

[Cleo]

At this hour I seem to be the only one on the board and unfortunately can't say exactly what is going on. It does indeed sound as if he's constipated and stuck. Are you able to wipe his backside to remove any of it?

Can you be certain he didn't eat or swallow something foreign that is causing a blockage? I wouldn't want to advise you to gently tug without knowing if what's inside is wrapped around something critical.

There is a product called Laxatone, which is petrolum based, given to cats for hairballs. Maybe this can help smooth things along for him in the future.

Again, though if he's constipated, something more might be brewing inside. Best to get him to the vet first thing in the morning, poop hanging out and all.

GOOD LUCK and please come back and update.

[Auntie Debbie]

It does seem to be a case of constipation. I had a very elderly kitty with a similar problem. She just could't give it that final shove and it would just stay there. After a couple rounds of treatments at the vets, the vet suggested putting 1/2 tsp unflavored Metamucil in a wet food only diet. It worked for her.
Please have your kitty evaluated by your vet to determine the cause of her constipation. Laxatone, canned pumpkin can also be a good idea as a prevention, but please first make sure there isn't something more serious going on first.

[mamaof4soon]

Just saw this, I hope you are at the vet. Poor thing! LEt us know how it worked out.

[Beleriphon]

It does seem to be a case of constipation. I had a very elderly kitty with a similar problem. She just could't give it that final shove and it would just stay there. After a couple rounds of treatments at the vets, the vet suggested putting 1/2 tsp unflavored Metamucil in a wet food only diet. It worked for her.
Please have your kitty evaluated by your vet to determine the cause of her constipation. Laxatone, canned pumpkin can also be a good idea as a prevention, but please first make sure there isn't something more serious going on first.

Looking at the bits of fecal matter that did end up on the floor from Fizgig's problem it would appear that he managed to eat some toilet paper. So its managed to get him all bound up. I don't think its a food issue, and the vet did suggest canned pumpkin until I get him into see her tomorrow. The problem is that I can't get him to eat anything, so even with the canned pumpkin it doesn't do any good if I can't make him eat. Otherwise he's holed up under my bed so I left a dish of water near him just to make sure that he can drink, even if he doesn't want to leave the comfort of his hiding place.

[Auntie Debbie]

If you really do believe he's eaten paper, then he will need to see your vet very soon. Your vet will probably administer enemas to relieve his problem, possibly an x-ray to see how much is lodged in his system. Please do bring him in soon as this cannot be comfortable for him, and if he isn't eating, it is possible to develop hepatic lipidosis within a couple of days (a serious liver disorder).
Let us know how he's doing and I hope he'll be okay and that he won't be eating things he shouldn't again!

[Beleriphon]

If you really do believe he's eaten paper, then he will need to see your vet very soon. Your vet will probably administer enemas to relieve his problem, possibly an x-ray to see how much is lodged in his system. Please do bring him in soon as this cannot be comfortable for him, and if he isn't eating, it is possible to develop hepatic lipidosis within a couple of days (a serious liver disorder).
Let us know how he's doing and I hope he'll be okay and that he won't be eating things he shouldn't again!

Give that he has vet appointment at 9:30 tomorrow morning I'll get this sorted out ASAP.

[Auntie Debbie]

Please let us know how he is doing. Fingers crossed that he'll be okay and himself again real soon!

[Beleriphon]

Please let us know how he is doing. Fingers crossed that he'll be okay and himself again real soon!

I suspect its just the constapation at this point. Until that hit he was acting completely normal. Either way we'll know in about 18 hours, until the he's still alert and responsive. He'll purr if I scratch his head and I say his name near him he'll look up at me even if he doesn't move much.

Edit:

Good news! Fizgig's cork seems to have freed itself. He wandered on out from under my bed a few minutes ago. I just checked his butt out in the bathroom and other then being visibly "shaken" he look fine. He's still getting that vet visit tomorrow to make sure there's nothing else that can plug him up.

As a bonus I just spotted him wandering to the kitchen for some food.

[Cleo]

HURRAH Fizgig!!