Managing Constipated cats: 10 of the most common pearls & pitfalls

Managing Constipated Cats: 10 of the most common pearls and pitfalls

Constipation is reported as a common presentation for feline patients in clinical practice. However, the actual prevalence is relatively undereported. A recent study evaluating the prevalence of constipation, suggested a prevalence of around 5% in a sample population of shelter cats. Affected cats often present somewhere on a continuum scale of relatively mild constipation to intractable disease,  and  megacolon. Focusing your approach on determining a concrete cause of constipation early on in this continuum of disease, could prevent progression to megacolon,  improving patient comfort and  owner trust. Unfortunately, the causes of constipation in cats are complexed with subtle clues and comorbid conditions creating many diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls. We will discuss 10 of the most common pearls and pitfalls when managing cats with constipation including:  possible causes, diagnostic red herrings, therapeutic tricks, and innovations as well as what happens after medical management fails. 

About our speaker

Dr Wilco Botha

BSc BVSc (Hons) MMedVet (Med)

South African Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Medicine

Dr Botha qualified as a veterinarian from the University of Pretoria in 2013. He then proceeded to complete a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital after which he obtained a further honours and master’s degrees in Small Animal Medicine from the University of Pretoria. He is currently a registered specialist in small animal medicine and has lectured small animal medicine to both under and post-graduate students. He currently practises as an internist at the Panorama Veterinary Clinic and Specialist Centre in Cape Town. 

Thursday 10 June | 19h30-20h30

We are excited to see you all online in June.

Stay safe,

The Hill's Pet Nutrition Team