View Question

Kitten Constipation

by SelkieinAZ - September 11, 2009

A coworker took in an orphan kitten about 2 months ago who was surrendered because he had recurring episodes of severe hypoglycemia. Despite eating well every 4-6 hours, he would become severely hypoglycemic and comatose. Since living at the clinic for a couple of weeks and then finding a home with our receptionist, he no longer has hypoglycemic episodes, but develops severe constipation and obstipation. He has a voracious appetite, good energy and in all other respects seems healthy. He will use the litterbox and have normal stools, but I suspect is unable to evacuate is colon fully. His tongue is red and wet and his pulse is superficial and slippery. I think given his start with hypoglycemia, he has weak spleen qi and resulting damp heat. However, can this happen so fast in a 4 month old kitten? I was thinking of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang - could this be dampening? How about Tao Ren Wan? Could to much of a mover be too strong in a kitten?
Thanks as always Steve!
Brenda

by naturevet

September 14, 2009

Hi Brenda,

Damp Heat can happen in any age animal, particularly if it is on a processed and/or carbohydrate-based food. It is the leading cause of hypoglycemia.

So, given that you need a Damp Heat formula that promotes peristalsis, relieves constipation, and promotes insulin sensitivity, I would think first of San Ren Tang. It should work, I think. BZYQT may be too tonifying for this kitten, but you are right...in young animals, the default diagnosis is Qi deficiency (which BZYQT treats), so this case is quite unusual. I would still trust your assessment, though, and treat on that basis.

Good luck!

Steve

You must be logged in to reply

CuredCases.com