Post-barium x-ray poopies...ms

[bridget]

Last Tuesday my Tiger had barium x-rays done to check for blockages/non-passing hairballs as he had been vomiting (and bringing up numerous hairballs of various sizes almost every time) for about a week. He had a full blood panel done a few days before when I took him in for the vomiting. All was OK but during his exam the vet found he also had a UTI and was put on Clavamox plus he got a Baytril shot. After Tiger's x-rays were finished the vet gave him an enema with "Petema" I think it's called (premixed enema in a syringe) to check the few remaining stools he had in his tract. The vet said to wait to resume the Clavamox (which he had NOT been having a problem with) the next day. Here's the problem: since the x-rays and the enema he's had the runny poops. We stopped the Clavamox and the vet gave me Diarsanyl (supplement to protect gastrointestinal mucosa). Tigs loved that stuff but the poops continue. I've fed him rice w/chicken, fed small portions several times a day instead of his usual canned twice a day, etc....I've also withheld food for almost 24 hours to no avail. I need to get him back on an antibiotic again soon or we're going to have more trouble.
I called the vet yesterday and he finally called me back at about 5:30 pm. He told me to give Tigs some Kaopectate. Isn't Kao a no-no? or is that Pepto that's a no-no? (I can't remember but I'm sure I read something about not giving either of these to kitties). I've stopped the Diarsanyl though the vet said to coninue....(should I have done that?...it didn't seem to be helping). Any suggestions/advice on what I can give him to help him? He eats and drinks normally but has been laying around a bit more than usual (he's 8 years old). I know his UTI has to be addressed again ASAP. I'm calling the vet AGAIN today about the antibiotics and will take Tigs in if he still has the poops. So far I haven't seen Tiger poop since very early yesterday morning though he's eaten.

Sorry this got really long....any help would be appreciated. I know Clavamox can cause gastro distress but he had been tolerating it fine prior to the x-rays.

Thanks!

[Mona]

Bridget ~
I am sorry about all this. Yes Clavamox can cause the distress. From what I understand Kao now has the same ingredient as the Pepto.

I thought there was a Kao for cats avail as a presciption. My vet recently gave me tablets to crush into food for my new kitten who had diarrhea.

I hope it gets better for him real soon.

Mona, HOneybun and Chloe

[Guest]

If it has been a while since he had his last bowel movement, then definitely hold off on anything for the diarrhea. Pepto is a big NO-NO. You can read the labels to see if there are any common ingredients with the Kaopectate. Even if the stools are still loose, if they are at normal intervals, that is a good start!

My opinion is that he is holding off on the antibiotic because antibiotics can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can dehydrate, weaken, and be deadly fast in such a small animal, so it is the top priority. Once Tiger is no longer in danger of dehydration, then I am sure he will start up the antibiotics again.

Good luck.

Linda

[Traci]

Bridget....

Why don't you continue the diarsanyl as your vet suggested and simply add a 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of dry metamucil to his food once or twice daily until the stools start forming again? Also, how old is Tiger?

The kaopectate is no longer safe for cats, it contains the same ingredient (subsalicylates) as pepto bismal, toxic to cats. Might want to notify your vet about new packaging and ingredient labels on that now.

Also talk to him about a potential hairball control food or fiber-related diet.

If the barium series was negative, and depending on his age, I'd opt for further diagnosis if this constipation/diarrhea problem persists past 5-7 days. (or at least attempt one of the two diets mentioned above)

[bridget]

THanks everyone! I resumed the Diarsanyl and Tiger is back on his antibiotics. He seems to be doing well now though I've not seen him pooping (doesn't mean he hasn't...I've just not seen him do it). He felt well enough to play a bit last night and he played today. He's eating well and drinking well so I think he's on the mend. Still don't know what caused the poops to last for so long....Neither does the vet. Could be the enema was a bit harsh for him. I don't know...as long as he's doing well now that's all that matters.

THanks for your help, thoughts and prayers. Tiger thanks you, too!