2/13/2014
Good morning, the temps were above freezing and we had some serious melting going on and then mother nature flipped her lid and started snowing again... For you that live in snow areas, I know you laugh at us in the south. I lived in Kansas City for 25 years dealing with feet of snow....hated it then, hate it even more now! Snow snow go away, come back somewhere else ;)
Thank you for all the wonderful gifts you sent to the cats from our wishlists! http://blindcatrescue.com/wishlist.htm
Amazon often does not tell us who sent the gifts to us and we never get contact information so we have no way to personally thank you. Please know how grateful we are to you for your kindness!!
http://blindcatrescue.com/wishlist.htm
Thank you Maria Giacobozzi for the trash bags, batteries, gain, food & toys!
Thank you Melanie Ryan for the scratch & Rest & food!
Thank you Mrs. Lorna Hutchens for the scratch and rest & weazel toy!
Thank you Michelle Tiner for the food!
Thank you unnamed for the toys!
Thank you unnamed for the gain!
Thank you unnamed for the cat litter!
Thank you unnamed for the food and blanket!
Thank you unnamed for the toys!
Thank you Eva Black for the Amazon gift card!
Thank you Eddie's Mom for the Amazon gift card!
Thank you Whitney Hedges/Gallien for the freshstep litters!
Thank you Semi Doludizgin for the cat litter, bleach and bleach clean up !
Thank you Amy Jones for the Amazon gift card!
Thank you Crystal Graham for the towels, chute & toys!
We will do boxes tonight !!
Feline
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
written by Jill Anne Sparapany
Feline
IBS refers to gastrointestinal problems in cats. It occurs in cats of any age,
breed or sex. Many symptoms are associated with IBS and may or may not be
present at any one time.
The
most common symptoms are diarrhea, which may be accompanied with vomiting and
weight loss. Causes of the chronic inflammation and discomfort of the cat’s
bowels may not always be known or associated with gastrointestinal diseases.
Common
Symptoms of IBS:
· Chronic, occasional
large bowel diarrhea, including frequent passing small amounts of feces and
mucus, and constipation.
· Abdominal pain,
bloating, vomiting and nausea may present.
· May hear flatulence
when defecating.
· May have blood in
vomit or stool.
· May act lethargic or
tired, be depressed.
· Changes in appetite.
Causes
of IBS include:
· Dietary fiber
deficiency
· Dietary intolerances
and allergies
· Abnormal colonic
motility and regulatory function
· Stress
Conditions
that mimic feline IBS:
· Liver disease
· Food allergies and
intolerances
· Exocrine pancreatic
insufficiency
· Hyperthyroidism
· Intestinal
lymphsarcoma, adenocarcinoma
· FIV, FIP
· Feline heartworm
disease
· GI parasites and
infections, such as giardiasis, campylobacteriosis (bacterial infection),
salmonellosis, histoplasmosis (fungal infection)
· Functional bowel
disorders, such as cecal inversion – abnormal turning of the intestine.
Diagnosis
will rule out the conditions that mimic IBS and any functional problems. Lab
tests, urinalysis and x-rays. Endoscopic studies may also be done.
Treatment
focus is diet driven, to make it easier to digest food. An elimination diet
begins with basics, simple protein and carbohydrate, then gradually adds back
to the diet until the symptoms return. It will help to keep a diet log of foods
and stool consistency and amounts, especially when adding new foods to the
diet.
There are
many brands that state they are hypoallergenic diets for IBS and easier
digestion. Generally, it is highly recommended IBS cats be fed a highly
digestible diet with high volume of fiber to help restore and maintain normal
intestinal function.
Discuss
diet options with your vet. Do your own research on GI/IBS diets and work with
your vet on any diet changes for your cat.
Other
treatments include:
· Pumpkin. Use 100%
pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) which is rich in fiber and vitamins.
· Prescription
steroids. One source stated approx 85% of cats will be helped with
anti-inflammatory steroids. Common steroids used are prednisone, dexamethasone
and methylprednisone. They may be used for up to 4 months or longer, depending
on the severity of the condition.
· Antibiotics. Commonly
used are metronidazole or azithromycin. Used when bacteria is a root cause of
IBS.
· Probiotics.
· Many ‘natural’ and
homeopathic remedies are available. Be sure to discuss all medications and
Over-The-Counter medications, probiotics and vitamin or herbal supplements with
your vet!
>> Many of these drugs interact adversely with
prescription medications.
>> These drugs may actually worsen your cat’s
IBS symptoms.
References:
http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_irritable_bowel_syndrome
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