Page 797 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

35 – THE CONSTIPATED OR STRAINING CAT 789

pelvic limbs when they are compared with each other in cats should normally be able to groom well enough to
full extension. prevent this happening.
Constipation may result either from pain associated Morbidly obese cats frequently are unable to groom
with defecation, or obstruction from a narrowed effectively around the anal region and may develop
pelvic cavity. mats of feces adhered to hair. These result in perianal
dermatitis if they are not removed. The discomfort and
obstruction to defecation promote constipation.
Diagnosis
Concurrent signs of constipation or obstipation are
The pelvis should be radiographed in two views (lat-
present including tenesmus and infrequent passage of
eral and DV or VD) to detect fractures and gauge pelvic
hard dry feces.
narrowing.
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by an inspection of the perineal
Any conditions that cause pain in the hindquarters and region. More information should be obtained to investi-
lumbosacral region, such as severe bruising, should be gate an underlying cause by performing a general phys-
considered. ical examination and neurological examination, and
Conditions causing hindlimb paresis or paralysis may if indicated, more specific blood and/or fecal tests.
present as a refusal to move, as do pelvic fractures. The perineum should also be clipped and inspected.
A physical and neurological examination should be
performed to differentiate these conditions. Differential diagnosis
This condition is self-evident on perineal examina-
Treatment tion, but should be differentiated from other conditions
that cause inability to groom and reluctance to defe-
Pelvic fractures often require surgical repair, but
cate, such as pelvic fractures and perineal abscesses.
depending on the position and degree of distraction of
the bone fragments, some may heal with extended
Treatment
cage rest (4–6 weeks).
Laxatives and/or dietary fiber supplements should be The perineum should be clipped and cleaned.
provided to produce a soft stool that is easy to pass. See Corticosteroid/antibiotic cream may be applied
page 785 (Constipation) for details. morning and night if there are signs of perineal inflam-
mation. Purulent skin infections should be treated with
oral antibiotics such as doxycycline (5 mg/kg PO q 12
HAIR MATTING*
h 8 days).
Classical signs Any underlying cause should be treated appropriately.
● Hair is matted with feces over the perineal
region, usually in a long-haired or obese cat. LITTERBOX DISSATISFACTION*
● Constipation or obstipation.
Classical signs
Clinical signs
● Cats may urinate and defecate in
Long-haired cats in unkempt condition may be pre- inappropriate places.
sented with hair matted with feces over the perineal ● History of poorly cleaned litter box or
region. An underlying cause should be established for insufficient litter boxes for the number of
this lack of grooming, such as inability to reach the cats.
perineal region because of severe obesity, or an under- ● Straining, hard dry feces.
lying condition causing diarrhea or lethargy, because