Constipation has become a major problem during past 2 months. Vet x-rayed her and found colon was full. Gave her 4 enemas and put her on a lubricant/laxative, but problem is still there (3 weeks) She now poos outside the box, but not always. I'm at my wit's end. Any help out there? Could the medication be causing the constipation?
2006-08-22 17:13:19 · 6 answers · asked by Music-ally 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there...constipation is one common side effect with this tricyclic anti-depressant and others as well. Ask your vet if the dosage can be readjusted. Sometimes by adjusting or supplementing the existing diet with fibre (Benefibre, Metumucil) can help which should be advised by your veterinarian as well.
The accidents outside of the box is a result of the constipation as she is associating the problem to the box rather than the fact she is not feeling well.
http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/amitriptyline-hcl-elavil/page1.aspx
Amitriptyline (ELAVIL): Anticholinergic side effects would probably not be surprising: dry mouth (manifested in animals often as frequently licking of the lips), urinary retention, constipation.
2006-08-22 17:25:35 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
STOP GIVING YOUR CAT THIS DRUG!!!
There are MANY side affects to this drug! I am a disabled veteran and used to take it (prescribed to me by my VA doctors) for pain management. This is a REALLY strong antidepressant with a wide range of side affects, the largest of which can be lethargy, extreme drowsiness, inability to think clearly, and even mild psychosis (thus the reason I am no longer taking the drug). There is NO WAY I would ever give such a powerful drug to my pet! Sounds to me like your vet is an idoit. It is simply not possible for a drug like this (related, in it's affects, to codiene) to make a cat urinate in the litter box, and any responsible vet would know this! Such a powerful downer is just going to mess your cat up and make it not care where is goes to the bathroom at all!
To answer your question, yes... It can also cause constipation.
2006-08-23 03:44:14 · answer #2 · answered by Geaux Ghoti 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, the medication is likely causing the constipation..However, you can safely give your cat a small amount of Metamucil to keep her regular..mix 1/2 teaspoon in her canned food.
2006-08-23 03:13:20 · answer #3 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"have you had a declaw surgery done on your cat? because what you are describing sounds like a side effect of that surgery?"
Are you serious? I fail to comprehend how that can be, and I have never heard of a single case in such a situation.
2006-08-23 02:43:00 · answer #4 · answered by cs 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Definitely is a side effect. You need to reduce the dose or get a different medication.
2006-08-23 00:16:24 · answer #5 · answered by Diane D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you had a declaw surgery done on your cat? because what you are describing sounds like a side effect of that surgery?
2006-08-23 00:47:09 · answer #6 · answered by Black-Widow 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋