Anal sacs are structures located on either side of the anus. They contain a semi-liquid, vile-smelling material that is normally expelled passively when dogs defecate. Sometimes anal sacs don’t empty properly because of an infection, impaction, an abscess or even a tumor. Bacteria can infect the anal sacs which results in pain and itching. Left untreated, infections can lead to an abscess. Cancerous growths in the anal sacs are found most often in Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepards, Beagles, English Bulldogs and Samoyeds. Some are benign; others can be very aggressive forms of cancer.

SYMPTOMS
* Dog scooting or dragging his hind end across the floor.
* Excess licking or biting at anal area.
* Tail chasing.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* In most cases emptying the sacs by massage and manual expression provides effective relief. Medication may be indicated to relieve pain and treat infection if present. Occasionally, with severe recurrent and persistent anal sac problems a sacculectomy, which is the surgical removal of the anal sacs, is the most humane, cost-effective solution. Having your vet check the anal sacs at 30-day intervals helps prevent some cases from becoming more severe.

* Warm compresses applied to the anal area twice a day for 5 to 10 minutes help relieve pain and discomfort. A dab of Vaseline or mineral oil applied topically is soothing.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

HERBAL REMEDIES
Increasing dietary fiber promotes natural anal sac expression. Psyllium is a good source of dietary fiber. Whole grains and seeds are useful and increasing exercise helps prevent obesity.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Silicea 6c given twice a day for three days can be useful for scooting. Hepar sulphuris calcareum 30C is usually recommended for anal sac abscesses. Both treatments are initially given once a day for five days.

A food allergy by definition is an abnormal reaction to an ingested food or a food additive, which is often a protein source. Actual food allergies are responsible for ten to twenty percent of allergic (adverse) skin diseases in dogs and cats and adverse skin reactions are less common in dogs than in cats. Food allergies are the third most common allergic skin disease in dogs and cats after Flea Allergy Dermatitis and Inhalant Allergies.

Beef, dairy and wheat are the ingredients incriminated in 68 percent of dogs with allergic skin disease. Adverse reactions to chicken, chicken eggs, lamb and soy are responsible in approximately 25 percent of canine cases. Corn and food additives are occasionally significant.

Up to 1/3 of dogs with skin disease due to food allergies are less than a year old. All breeds are susceptible, but those at increased risk include:
* Cocker Spaniels
* Springer Spaniels
* Labrador Retrievers
* Collies
* Miniature Schnauzers, and
* West Highland White Terriers.

(NOTE: German Shepards and Chinese Sharpei’s are two breeds that, like most people, get diarrhea instead of skin disease as the result of food allergies.)

(NOTE: Dogs with milk intolerance generally experience diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain. The intolerance is actually an inability to digest the milk protein “Lactose”.)

The most common sign is year-round itching. Dogs classically lick and rub their face, fee, armpits and groin. A copper colored discoloration often occurs as a result of the constant licking and is a prominent sign in certain white-coated breeds, i.e. the West Highland Terrier.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO

The dog’s nutritional history should include a complete list of commercial and homemade foods as well as snacks, treats, chew toys, chewable medications, and human foods.
1. The only way to find out the true cause of a food allergy is to use an elimination diet. A single source of protein is used for 12 weeks to see if the dog’s condition improves. Then new ingredients are added back into the diet one at a time, every five to seven days, until the problem recurs.

Using this method, and noting what was added when, if there is a reaction you will know which food ingredient is responsible for the problem.

2. For the elimination diet to work, start by using a protein source the dog has not been previously exposed to like lamb, fish, rabbit, venison or tofu.

3. The protein should be highly digestible (over 87 percent digestibility).

4. Avoid food with over 30-45 percent protein in skin cases only.

5. Use foods with no or few additives.

6. Ingredients recommended for homemade canine diets that work best initially for dogs include one protein source or a combination of one protein and one carbohydrate source. For example:
* Lamb baby food
* Lamb
* Rice and rabbit

7. Use distilled water or boil tap water and refrigerate – this helps avoid chlorine, which can be a factor.

8. If diarrhea is present, avoid foods with wheat, barley, or rye.

Food allergies tend to be lifelong but once you identify the offending allergen, you can find a variety of suitable diets that don’t include the problem foods but still provide a balanced diet. Your vet can suggest appropriate “allergen” free diets you can make at home or buy. Keep a daily diary during the elimination phase to keep track of the type of food eaten and any signs that occurred as a result.

If a food allergy is the only cause of the problem, itching should stop and signs should improve 100 percent. Up to 1/3 of dogs and cats with food allergies also have other allergies and therefore, may only respond partially to an elimination diet. Flea Allergy Dermatitis and Inhalant Allergies are the most common causes and should be ruled out through other testing.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Vitamin C in high doses acts as an antihistamine and may help with itching, if present. A daily dosage up to 1,000 mg is recommended. Adding Vitamin B complex to the daily diet is also useful. Give the dog a quarter to one tablet each day.
(NOTE: Vitamin dosage will vary depending on body weight.)

Bloat is a true life-and-death emergency in dogs. The stomach fills up with air and/or fluid (simple bloat) and may or may not rotate (complex bloat). Large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Dobermans and Irish Setters are predisposed. The exact cause is unknown. Most cases present with a classic history. Dogs eat one big meal, drink a lot of water, then go outside to play. They come back inside bloated. Their abdomen is distended and they may salivate, retch, and/or belch. As the pain gets worse, dogs become restless and tend to get up and lie down repeatedly. Without treatment, bloat can be fatal. The classic history along with x-rays generally confirms the problem.

SYMPTOMS
* Large distended abdomen.
* Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and distress.
* Salivate, retch, belch.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* To treat simple bloat a stomach tube is passed which relieves the gas and decompresses the stomach. The results are instantaneous.

* With complex bloat a stomach tube can’t be passed because of the twist between the stomach and esophagus. Treatment requires surgery to untwist the stomach. Sutures that attach the stomach to the body wall help prevent future recurrences.

Bloat tends to recur so prevention is the key. Feed several small meals instead of one big meal. Don’t let your dog go out to play one hour before or two hours after eating. Limit water intake because the rapid mixing of food and water in the stomach promotes the formation of excess gas.

COMPLEMENTARY TREAMENTS

HERBAL REMEDIES
Fresh cabbage juice can help relieve gas build-up initially and provide some relief for cases of mild simple bloat.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Nux moschata 30C (nutmeg) taken every 15 minutes up the three times can help decrease gas formation. Carbo vegetabilis 30C (charcoal) also helps counteract excessive gas formation.

Constipation occurs occasionally in dogs. Constipation is defined as infrequent or absent defecation with retention of feces in the rectum and colon. Older and less active dogs are most prone. Signs that your dog may have constipation include straining to defecate, with or without dry feces. Causes of constipation include indiscriminate eating, for example garbage and diapers, a lack of dietary fiber, dehydration and obesity. Dogs with chronic diseases, anal sac abscesses and poorly healed pelvic fractures, are also at risk.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Increase the fiber in your dog’s diet. Add fresh vegetables ¼ cup of grated raw vegetables per 10 lbs. Along with cooked brown rice or wheat bran. Raw meat acts as a natural laxative. For example, liver tastes good and is a source of B Vitamins and Iron. For long-term prevention increase dietary fiber to ten or 15 percent. Increasing your dog’s fluid intake is also beneficial; try offering honey water, chicken broth and fruit juices.

* Exercise increases blood flow to the intestines and promotes motility which helps prevent constipation.

* Prolonged and/or recurrent bouts of constipation can adversely affect nerve function to the intestines. Confirm a diagnosis with your vet to help avoid long-term consequences.

(NOTE: Constipation can affect older, less active dogs that are dehydrated.)

COMPLEMENTARY TREATEMENTS
HERBAL REMEDIES
Remedy #1: Increase dietary fiber with any of these herbs: Psyllum, Cascara sagrada, Senna, and Aloe.

Remedy #2: For small dogs, soak four pitted prunes in water and mix into a bowl of oatmeal with two tablespoons of milk. Larger dogs should have six to eight pitted prunes prepared in the same way and added to oatmeal with four tablespoons of milk.

Remedy #3: Make planters of edible oats and wheat or try growing edible grass.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
If spoiled food is the problem try Nux vomica 6c (poison nut): one pellet every 12 hours for three days. For poorly nourished dogs, try Silicea 6c (silicon dioxide/tissue salt): one pellet every 12 hours for three days. Withhold food 10 minutes before and after these treatments.

Diarrhea consists of the abnormally frequent passage of loose or soft stools, and is one of the most common signs of disease in dogs. It occurs when dissolved substances within the intestine cause excess water to move into the intestine. This accumulation decreases the absorption of food and results in what vets call Malapsorptive Diarrhea. On the other hand, an increased secretion of electrolytes into the intestine causes diarrhea due to Maldigestion. Diarrhea lasting less than 24 hours without signs of illness can be beneficial. It is the body’s defense mechanism to cleanse itself. Diarrhea lasting over 24 hours, with or without signs of illness, should be addressed by your veterinarian.

SYMPTOMS
* Loose or soft stool passed often.
* Stool coated with mucus.
* Stool containing blood.
* Loss of appetite.
* Lethargic, depressed.

CAUSES

* The leading cause of diarrhea in dogs is dietary indiscretion (eating table scraps, garbage, foreign objects).
* Stress and anxiety can cause stool to be loose with mucus and/or blood.
* Bacteria Diseases: Salmonella; Viral Diseases: Parvo and Corona Virus.
* Parasites, Roundworms especially in puppies.
* Allergies: Intolerance to milk; occasionally food.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Feed small, bland, low-fat, easily digestible meals four times daily. Use lean protein, such as poultry or fish. On day one, withhold food but give fluids to prevent dehydration. On the second day feed several small bland meals, pureed chicken, turkey or beef are well tolerated. Add yogurt with live acidophilus cultures to help replace the bacteria lost with diarrhea. The bacteria are necessary for proper digestion and absorption of food. On the third day add fiber in the form of vegetables, like squash or pumpkin, to the diet. Fiber acts like a sponge and draws water out of stool which helps to make it firm. On the fourth day add grains like white rice and on day five change from white rice to brown rice. Rice is a carbohydrate and provides energy. Finally, start adding your dog’s normal diet into this at one-quarter increments until your dog is back on his normal diet.

* A complete physical examination along with an accurate history help determine the problem. For example, note when the diarrhea began, how often it occurs, and if your dog is straining. Bring a stool sample and note whether or not your dog ate anything unusual. A fecal exam checks for worms, most of which can only be seen under the microscope. Only severely parasitized animals excrete live worms in their stool. Worms are an important cause of diarrhea in puppies and adult dogs.

* Diagnostics for long-term and/or recurrent cases of diarrhea may include blood tests to rule out bacterial and viral problems and detect disease of major organ systems like the liver or kidneys. X-rays to find offensive objects and abnormal growths; interpretation of fecal cultures to reveal specific bacteria like salmonella; and intestinal biopsies.

PARVOVIRUS
* Parvovirus is the number one fatal infectious disease of unvaccinated puppies and adult dogs. It is now manageable through vaccination. The virus is very contagious and is spread by contact with infected feces. Parvovirus attacks the lining of the intestinal tract and the heart of young puppies. Hallmark signs of parvovirus include vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood.

* Prompt veterinary treatment is essential in cases with persistent diarrhea, especially puppies that are not vaccinated. Diarrhea results in dehydration from the fluids lost in the feces. Fluids can be given by mouth as long as vomiting is not also a problem. Fluids may be given under the skin or through a catheter inserted into a vein in more critical cases. Severe dehydration left untreated may lead to shock, collapse and even death.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HERBAL REMEDIES
To control diarrhea: Remedy #1: Add two acidophilus capsules to each meal until the stool is firm. Remedy #2: Mix one half cup of finely chopped sage leaves with two finely crushed cloves of garlic. Add one tablespoon of honey and roll into small balls. Offer these three times a day: one for small dogs or two to four for larger dogs. Remedy #3: Activated charcoal, available in pharmacies, helps absorb toxins and poisons. Dissolve up to three tablets in water depending on the size of your dog and offer them to your dog to drink. Don’t use for more than two days because excess amounts of charcoal can adversely affect absorption.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
For small, frequent bowel movements try Arsenicum album 6c (arsenic trioxide): one pellet every four hours for three treatments. Withhold food 10 minutes before and after treatment.

Vomiting that occurs occasionally in an otherwise healthy dog is generally not a cause for concern. By far the most common cause of vomiting in dogs is eating indiscriminately. Persistent vomiting with or without signs of illness such as appetite loss, depression, lethargy, diarrhea, or constipation can indicate a more severe problem and should be addressed. The dehydration, for example, which results from vomiting, can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Vomiting brings up a mixture of food, acids, and enzymes from the stomach which in certain cases can be lifesaving. When a dog vomits, you can see the abdominal muscles contracting, which helps differentiate vomiting from regurgitation, which occurs effortlessly, without muscle contractions.

SYMPTOMS
Prior to vomiting:
* Excess salivation.
* Discomfort.
* Pacing and whining.
* Gurgling or loud stomach noises.

CAUSES
* Eating bad food: garbage, excess fatty foods, and table scraps.
* Ingestion of foreign objects: bones, rubber balls, stones, sticks.
* Intestinal parasites: roundworms, especially in puppies.
* Viral infections: distemper , parvovirus , corona virus.
* Diseases: diabetes , cancer and stomach ulcers.
* Poisons: household drugs (e.g. Aspirin and Tylenol), rat poison, antifreeze, pesticides.
* Motion sickness (occurs while traveling in the car).
* Stress/emotions: excess excitement or anxiety.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* Vomiting must be differentiated from regurgitation, which is the spontaneous reflux of food before it reaches the stomach. Regurgitation occurs because of a problem in the esophagus like a constriction or an obstruction. Regurgitated food comes up immediately and looks exactly like it did when it was eaten. This is common in certain puppies and occurs when they initially begin eating solid food. German Shepards are prone. Regurgitation occurs effortlessly and often surprises the dog as much as the owner.

* With vomiting the general recommendation is to withhold food and water for 8-12 hours. Giving food or water usually makes the vomiting worse. After that, offer a couple of ice cubes, then try small amounts of bland chicken broth one teaspoon at a time. The next day make a bland diet using pureed chicken or turkey breast. Offer small amounts every few hours. On day three add cooked brown rice and raw chopped greens to provide bulk. Then, gradually begin to add your dog’s normal diet back into the bland diet in one-quarter increments over the next few days. Finally, decrease the number of feedings and increase the time interval between them until your dog is back on his normal diet and routine.

REMEDIES FOR MILD VOMITING
Remedy #1: Mix half a cup of fresh minced parsley with one cup of water. Boil five minutes, strain, cool and add one teaspoon of honey. Give one tablespoon of the final solution every 10 minutes.

Remedy #2: Pour two cups of boiling water over half a cup of fresh thyme or rosemary, infuse for 10 minutes, strain and cool. Give one teaspoon every 10 minutes.

Remedy #3: Mix one tablespoon of honey into four cups of warm water and give one tablespoon at 15 to 30 minute intervals.

Remedy #4: Make tea out of chamomile or peppermint and offer small amounts.

Remedy #5: Ginger is effective for vomiting due to motion sickness. If vomiting persists, see your vet. Your dog will need to be examined. An accurate history of the vomiting and a sample of the vomitus help determine the cause. Blood work and x-rays may help pinpoint the problem.

WARNING
Persistent vomiting and/or vomitus with blood in it should be promptly addressed by your veterinarian. Foreign objects can irritate and/or cause an obstruction which can result in vomiting. Liver and kidney disease as well as diabetes and cancer can also be underlying problems.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
For moderate vomiting Nux vomica 6c (poison nut) can help: one pellet every four hours until symptoms are gone. If there is no effect in 24 hours, try Pulsatilla 6c (windflower): one pellet every four hours until symptoms are gone. In each case, withhold food 10 minutes before and after treatment.

Proper nutrition is vital to good health. Commercially available premium foods are convenient and their composition is strictly controlled and regulated by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The label should clearly state that the food is nutritionally complete and balanced for the lifestyle and age of the dog. Choices include “growth” for puppies, “maintenance” for adults, and “senior” for golden agers. Feeding-trial results to back up the manufacturer’s claims should also be available to you.

In general, all dogs should eat at least two meals a day. Feed a specific amount of food at each meal, leave the bowl down for 20-30 minutes, then pick it up. Your dog’s body weight and physical condition are your best guide as to what and how much to feed. Keep snacks to less than 5 percent of the total diet and feed healthy snacks like carrots, fresh vegetables and asparagus tips. Homemade natural diets take more time but can be well worth the effort. The key is to find a recipe that is balanced, keeps your dog healthy and tastes good.

YOUR DOG’S DAILY REQUIREMENTS

TYPES OF FOOD
* Most commercial diets contain substantial amounts of preservatives, artificial coloring, flavoring and chemicals, etc. The digestible nutritional quality varies according to the method of processing i.e. canned, semi-moist. Canned foods taste the best, contain approximately 75 percent water and have an average shelf life of one year. Semi-moist foods stay fresh for about 6 months but have very high levels of preservatives, additives and coloring. Dried food generally contains 10 percent water, lasts 6 months and is the least palatable. On the other hand, dry food is very convenient and extremely economical.

* Dietary supplements. Nothing can replace a wholesome well-balanced diet when it comes to promoting good health and proper supplementation can make a great diet even healthier. Common problems associated with aging like obesity, arthritis and poor skin and hair coats, don’t always improve when diet alone is changed. On the other hand, when supplementation is geared to specifically address certain problems, for example arthritis, the results can be quite impressive. Your veterinarian and/or alternative health care provider can help you make the best choices for your dog.

(NOTE: Dry food is the mainstay of most diets. Dry food does not promote dental hygiene.)

WARNING
Always provide your dog with plenty of fresh drinking water. Subtle changes in drinking habits can be the first sign of a problem. For example Urinary Tract Infections, Kidney Disease, and hormonal disorders including Diabetes and Cushings Disease.
(NOTE: Canned food spoil quickly once opened. Leave out one hour.)

WARNING
MALNUTRITION
Proper nutrition is paramount to maximize health, longevity and performance as well as to prevent disease. Malnutrition by definition is any nutritional disorder in which nutrients are unbalanced or inadequate. Historically, most of us think of nutritional deficiencies like muscle wasting in third world children, and puppies with pot bellies because of worms, but today in first world societies over-nutrition or excessive intake of nutrients Is the major problem. Over 50 percent of our dogs are clinically obese because of diets with excess fat and calories. Developmental bony diseases in rapidly growing large and giant breed dogs are also a result of excessive dietary intake of calcium and energy. Malnutrition can result from too many or too few dietary nutrients and in either case, is a potential health risk.

Disturbances of the stomach and intestines in dogs have a variety of causes, which include eating bad food and/or foreign objects, bacterial and viral infections, worms, and food allergies. Kidney, liver and pancreatic disease as well as diabetes are also common causes. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. If diagnosed and treated early, most cases respond well to diet changes and medication. Long-term cases require more time and patience. Make a habit out of feeding specific amounts of food at mealtimes and watch to see what your dog actually eats. A change in appetite and/or bowel consistency is often one of the earliest signs of a problem.

Food allergy is an abnormal or a hypersensitive reaction to a food ingredient which is usually a protein. 10-20% of allergies in cats are caused by food.

CAUSES
Beef, dairy products and fish, especially tuna and mackerel are responsible for almost 90 percent of food allergies in cats. These products cause a skin reaction as opposed to diarrhea.
Note: Food preservatives including Benzoic Acid and Propylene Glycol (read labels) are toxic to cats.

Milk causes diarrhea as opposed to a skin reaction. This is called Lactose Intolerance.

SYMPTOM BOX
* Severe itching all over the body
* Itching with small scabs located primarily on the head, neck and ears.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* 1/3 of cats with food allergies also have concurrent flea allergies, therefore scab like lesions and itching are focused on the head, neck and ears.
* Siamese and/or Siamese cross bred cats less than 2 years old may be at increased risk of food allergies.
* A relatively new dietary option for food allergy therapy involves using Hydrolyzed Proteins. These are conventional proteins broken down into such a small size they are unable to cause an allergic reaction. Hypoallergenic diets containing Hydrolyzed Protein are available commercially.
* Purina’s Prescription Diet Division offers CNM HA (the HA stands for Hypoallergenic)
* Exclude is a diet made by DVM Dermatologies. It comes in a powder form and is mixed with water to the desired consistency.
* If itching and skin lesions resolve then reappear within 2 weeks of feeding the cat his former food, a food allergy diagnosis may also be confirmed.

The cat’s nutritional history should include a complete list of commercial and homemade foods as well as snacks, treats, toys, medications and human foods.
The only way to find out the true cause of a food allergy is to use an elimination diet. A single source of protein is used for 12 weeks to see if the cat’s condition improves. Then new ingredients are added back into the diet one at a time, every five to seven days, until the problem recurs. Using this method, and noting what was added when, if there is a reaction you will know which food ingredient is responsible for the problem.

* For the elimination diet to work, start by using a protein source the cat has not been previously exposed to.
* Ingredients recommended for homemade Feline diets that work best initially for cats include one protein source or a combination of one protein and one carbohydrate source.

For example:
* Lamb baby food
* Lamb (mutton) and brown rice
* Venison and potatoe
* Use distilled water or boil tap water and refrigerate – this helps avoid chlorine, which can be a factor.
* If diarrhea is present, avoid foods with wheat barley, rye and avoid milk.
* Food allergies tend to be life long but once you identify the offending allergen, you can find a variety of suitable diets that don’t include the problem foods but still provide a balanced diet.
Several “allergen” free diets are available. Keep a daily diary during the elimination phase to keep track of the type of food eaten and any signs that occurred as a result.

If a food allergy is the only cause of the problem, itching should stop and signs should improve 100%. Up to 1/3 of cats with food allergies also have other allergies and therefore, may only respond partially to an elimination diet. Flea Allergy Dermatitis and Inhalant Allergies are the two most common causes and should be ruled out through other testing.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Vitamin C in high does acts as an antihistamine and may help with itching, if present. Ascorbate powder is a source of Vitamin C – 100 milligrams 3 times daily is an average daily dose. Check with your vet to be sure.

Constipation is the infrequent passage of stool and/or straining to defecate. The feces may be hard or just firmer than normal. Recurrent constipation can lead to Obstipation which is the term used for severe, persistent constipation. The colon, which is the end or terminal portion of the large intestine, becomes dilated and enlarged. Stool retained for abnormally long periods of time and gets extremely hard. Obstipation may require surgical intervention to bring the cat relief. Nerve damage to the colon resulting from repeated bouts of constipation may be the underlying cause.

Constipation is a sign of disease not a disease itself.

CAUSES
* Very large hairballs form masses called Trichobezoars which are a leading cause of constipation in cats.
* Certain cats with obsessive behavioral disorders may groom themselves excessively. Siamese cats are prone.
* As opposed to dogs, dietary indiscretion is unusual in cats but certain eating disorders involving ingestion of wool and other fibers may cause constipation.
* Chronic Kidney Failure in older cats results in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration causes the colon to absorb more water from the feces which makes harder stool.
* Anal Sac problems including abscesses are painful and cats may be reluctant to defecate as a result.
* Certain medications like antidepressants, diuretics, antacids and anticonvulsants can cause constipation as a side effect.

SYMPTOMS:
Firm stool
Strain to defecate

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* If owners only notice cats “straining” or making multiple trips to the litter box and there is no stool or urine apparent in the box, constipation may not be the problem. The cat may be straining to urinate which is a true emergency and immediate veterinary intervention is required.
* Simple mild episodes of constipation in an otherwise healthy cat may often be successfully managed at home.
* Fluids are important to maintain hydration and are often overlooked. Increase the cat’s fluid intake by making a thick broth of chicken, turkey, beef or liver, and add a few drops of soy sauce for taste.
* Increase fiber – fiber is not absorbed. It adds bulk to the stool which stimulates the colon to contract and expel the feces.

Fiber Sources include:
* Fine bran: 1/8 tsp added to each meal
* Stewed prunes or prune juice: ½ Tsp added to food
* Metamucil, Konsil and Siblin are commercially available: add ½ Tsp to meals.
* Plain Pumpkin Filling: place 2 tablespoons in a separate dish and leave out
* Prevent obesity by increasing exercise and feeding several small meals

Stool softeners
½ tsp of melted butter or 1 tsp baby food vegetables added to meals helps soften stool

For recurrent constipation
* Changing to a diet with higher fiber levels of up to 10% fiber may help prevent recurrences.
* Enema – using Gentle Dragon may be advocated by some vets
* Certain medications– stimulate the motility or the ability of the large intestine to contract and expel stool. These should only be used under veterinary advice.
* Cisapride
* Bisacodyl
* Severe chronic cases of obstipation may require surgical removal of the diseased colon. The procedure is called a Subtotal Colostomy and permanently cures most obstipation cases.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY
Vitamins:
* Zinc – 5 milligrams per cat daily
* Vitamin C – Powder 250 milligrams twice daily

HOMEOPATHIC
Sepia 30c
* Indicated only for obstipation (cats with severe, recurrent, persistent constipation)
* Use one treatment only
* 2 whole or 3 pellets crushed to powder and placed on tongue
* No food 1hour before or after treatment
* Wait 30 days to see improvement.

HERBAL
Psyllium husks (plantago ovata) is labeled under the name Vetasyl
* Use the ground, loose herb and add 1/8 tsp to meals
* Psyllium stimulates the intestine to absorb water which softens the feces and promotes stool passage.

Excess dietary fiber can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain minerals including zinc, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. It can also lead to other nutritional deficiencies.
Fiber should be used under veterinary supervision
* Most commercial cat foods contain less than 5% fiber
* Increase the fiber gradually at a rate of 5 to 10% every 14 days and reevaluate the bulk of the stool to determine the proper amount of fiber needed.
* Using a high fiber breakfast cereal to increase dietary fiber is a better choice than using pumpkin. You may use smaller amounts of cereal as opposed to pumpkin to resolve the problem. Cereal is also a source of other beneficial nutrients whereas pumpkin is 90% water.
* A vitamin mineral supplement added to the diet avoids any deficiencies resulting from the additional fiber.