Coping with constipation

Desiree Lourens of Jo’burg writes My Yorkie is often constipated, even though he eats pellets – and hardly any table scraps! Can you suggest any remedies?

Dr Denver Mudie, a member of the South African Veterinary Association, replies Dietary, behavioural, environmental and medically-related issues may result in constipation. Cats get constipated if they refuse to use a soiled litter tray and house-trained animals locked up all day can become constipated if they refuse to defecate indoors.

A diet including too little fibre or not enough drinking water is a factor and feeding bones to your pet can also cause an obstruction or severe constipation.

Signs of constipation

• Intermittent straining with no production of faeces. Cats may be seen scratching around in their litter while straining; this may indicate a urinary tract infection – check with your vet. • Your pet may pass bits of hard, dry faecal matter or mucous after repeated attempts to defecate. It can be painful and there may be redness and swelling around the anus; severe straining can result in a prolapse of the rectum. • Anal scooting may be a sign of blocked anal glands or a worm infestation. • Constipated pets will often show no interest in food and may experience intermittent vomiting. Weight loss and lethargy are also warning signs.

Treatment

• Mild constipation can be treated with laxatives but it’s best to take your pet for a check-up to ensure that there are no underlying conditions. Some diseases can be confused with constipation; an examination by a vet will rule these out. • Severe cases may result in your pet being placed on a drip; once fully rehydrated, enemas may need to be administered under supervision. Depending on the severity of the constipation, your vet may send your dog or cat home with a laxative and a special diet for a few days.

CONTACT sava.co.za