May Pet of the Month
"Puff" Kraus
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Puff poses for the camera. |
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Puff Kraus, a 9 year old domestic short hair neutered male cat, was presented with severe obstipation (inability to
pass stool) and vomiting. He had had milder episodes in the past year, which had responded to a dietary change of a high fiber diet and a daily treatment of a petroleum based hair ball remedy.
Attempts at feeding canned pumpkin to further increase fiber had been refused by Puff. A high volume enema was administered under
general anesthesia with manual removal and massage to eliminate the obstruction. He was placed on a drug to enhance movement of food through the intestinal tract along with a more potent stool
softener. A high volume enema was repeated once per month for three months. It became obvious that medical treatment alone would
not be sufficient. Bloodwork and radiographs had been taken to rule out tumors or other problems. A surgical procedure called a subtotal colonectomy was performed,
which consisted of removing all but one inch of his large intestine and essentially reattaching his small intestine to his rectum. He now passes normal but soft stool, uses the litter box, and is an
affectionate, happy kitty again. He is on no medication other than oral vitamins, and no more enemas! |
