Aging cat, constipation, leaking watery stools

[Kim5263]

We have an aging cat, she is close to 19 years old. She is on IV fluids 2x per week for kidney failure and was previously on anti botics for pancreatitis and imflammatory bowels.

She had been doing better. Until today. She is trying desparately to release her bowels, but all that comes out is a very brownish liquid. I am finding this all over the house. She sits and squats and meows. Than out comes the brown liquid. She doesn't appear to be in pain, but is uncomfortable.

I will be calling the vet tomorrow, but didn't know if this was an emergency and should I call an emergency vet? Or does anyone know of anything I can do for her to get her bowels to move.

I feel so bad for her. We do realize she is coming to the end of her long life, but are hoping that she will be us for awhile longer. She is a strong kitty. We just lost our 16 year old kitty in February of this year. Can't deal with losing another one so soon.

[Traci]

Yes, get her to an emergency vet RIGHT NOW. She needs examined, and a potential blockage or rupture needs to be ruled out. Your vet can also do a fecal exam to rule out bacterial infection, etc. Also, don't mistake this for a potential urinary tract problem, since the behavior is often the same. Given her age and her renal issues, you must not ever assume things will "resolve" on their own, any primary health condition can be accompanied by a secondary health problem at any time.

If she has a history of IBD, you need a vet who's committed to finding the best course of treatment for her, i.e., lactulose or cisapride, proper diet that aids digestion and absorption of nutrients, etc. Canned food vs dry food, etc. It could be she might require more fluids at this point. If she hasn't had her bloodwork done recently, get it done at once so your vet can determine her renal function and also determine her fluids needs. Check for hypertension or other associated conditions.

Btw, antibiotics are generally not indicated for pancreatitis unless there is a confirmed presence of bacterial infection. Fluid therapy, proper nutrition and anti-emetics where necessary are the general, best course of treatment. (more severe cases require individualized therapy).

Don't wait, get her to an ER vet NOW.

[Kim5263]

Thanks for the advice Traci. We gave her some IV fluids, which helped alot. I was able to get her into the Vet today. She's feeling much better. She crawled all over me during the visit, up and down my arm and across my back. She definetly has some life left in her.

I know we probably should've went to the emergency vet, but as she started to rest comfortably we decided to wait until today when our regular vet could see her. I did keep a close eye on her all day and evening.

The Vet didn't feel any blockages, she is dehyrated. We have to do more IV fluids, give her some meds and she got a shot to help with the nausea and inflammation.

As soon as we got home she hit the food dish and the water bowl. All good signs.

My fingers are crossed that she isn't ready to leave us yet! We will do whatever we can to keep her with us. She is one strong kitty!

P.S. She is up to date with her bloodwork. We just had everything done approximately a month or so ago.

[mamabear]

So is she using her bowels? Brown liquid coming out doesn't seem to be a good thing so is she going poop now on her own? Did the dr. at least do an xray to confirm that there was no blockage?

[Traci]

I too would like to ask, is she having normal stools now, or ?