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Cause of vomiting, constipation, weight gain

Sent to Cat Experts July 21 2006 at 6:19 PM
   

My 4-yr-old spayed cat is vomiting nearly daily, gaining weight, and suffering from constipation. She is on prednisone (5 mg daily); it worked for awhile, but the vomiting is returning. Laxatone isn't helping as it once did for the constipation. She eats 1/2 can W/D and less than 1/2 cup Science Diet sensitive stomach dry food. (She was eating W/D dry, but since the vomiting returned, the vet and I decided to try a different food.) Blood work came back all normal. Can you give me any suggestions as what may be wrong with her?

Kathleen

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
July 21 2006 at 6:35 PM (16 minutes and 24 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Hi Kathleen,

Thank you for posting your question on Just Answer. I share your concern for your cat. It is possible that your cat has what is known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, but that diagnosis is made after an ultrasound or exploratory laparotomy with biopsies. Why is she on Prednisone? It can be used for IBD, but there are better options. Is your cat a Siamese?

I would want to see radiographs and an abdominal ultrasound of your cat. I am not a big fan of prednisone unless the disease has been diagnosed and it is the right course of treatment. Pred has some nasty long term consequences of its use. It is necessary in some diseases, but can complicate the diagnosis of others.

I'm guessing that your vet thought this was a case of IBD. There are many different schools of thought with management of this disease. I prefer to use a drug called Ranitidine (Zantac) because it decreases stomach acid as well as offers the benefit of increasing motility (helping with constipation). I don't use oral prednisone, I use injectable prednisolone which I think works better. I also use "Little Tummies", a human OTC product (Simethicone). I use metoclopramide to get rid of the vomiting. Of key importance is the diet - I use a low carb high protein diet.

I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you need more information.



I share your concerns and am glad you have sought out help. I strive to provide you with excellent service. If this information has been helpful to you, please Accept! Bonuses are ALWAYS APPRECIATED.
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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Integrative Medicine (Western and Homeopathic)
Reply
July 21 2006 at 6:43 PM (7 minutes and 51 seconds later)
         
Reply to Dr. Lisa Boyer's Post: I asked for the prednisone since it really helped my daughter's cat when she had the same symptoms. The descriptions I've seen for IBD address vomiting and diarrhea, not vomiting and constipation. So, I am wondering if there is something else that would include vomiting, constipation, and weight gain. She has been steadily gaining weight even though she's not eating no more than she was. Before I make any changes, I will discuss with my vet. I am just looking for more ideas and areas to explore.
Thank you.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 21 2006 at 6:52 PM (9 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hi,

Vomiting and constipation are definitely part of the IBD complex. The inflammation in the bowel reduces motility and can cause chronic constipation. The weight gain is a bit odd - how much are we talking about? Is it possible your cat has an abdominal mass? I would want xrays and an abdom. ultrasound. If your cat is a purebred, there are some inherited GI disorders that could cause these symptoms as well.

The weight gain could be in response the the steroids. I think it's time for some diagnostics to pin this down. These symptoms are also not out of the question for some gastrointestinal cancers.

Please keep me posted and let me know how she's doing. I hope this is helpful.



I share your concerns and am glad you have sought out help. I strive to provide you with excellent service. If this information has been helpful to you, please Accept! Bonuses are ALWAYS APPRECIATED.
Dr. Lisa Boyer -- DVM (Veterinarian) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 107 Cat Accepts
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Integrative Medicine (Western and Homeopathic)
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