Concerns For
Veterinary Professionals
Canine
- Osteoarthritis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Lymphosarcoma
- Renal Disease
- Heartworm
- Influenza H3N1
- Otitis
- Drug Resistance
- Dental Disease
- Dermatitis
Feline
- Osteoarthritis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hyperthyroidism
- Lymphosarcoma
- Renal Disease
- FLUTD
- Inappropriate Elimination
- Cardiomyopathy
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Otitis
- Drug Resistance
- Dental Disease
Equine
Top Animal Health
Concerns For Pet Owners
Dogs
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Lymphoma
- Renal - Kidney Disease
- Heartworm
- Flu H3N8
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infection
- Drug Resistance
- Dental Disease
- Skin Hot Spots
Cats
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Lymphoma
- Renal - Kidney Disease
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Inappropriate Elimination
- Heart Disease
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Ear Infection
- Drug Resistance
- Dental Disease
Horses
Animals
Inappropriate Elimination is when cats often "miss” the litter box and begin to relieve themselves in the wrong places. In some cases, a medical problem is to blame, such as bladder or kidney problems. But this behavior could also indicate the presence of diabetes, arthritis and senility. Other potential and common medical conditions include Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), bladder stones, urinary tract infection, bladder cancer and renal disease.
If you begin to notice that your cat strains to urinate, visits the litter box frequently (more than normal), passes small amounts of urine frequently, lies in the litter box or urinates in strange places, take your feline to your veterinarian immediately. Diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, urine culture, abdominal x-rays, abdominal ultrasound and routine blood work, will be used to determine if a medical condition is the actual cause. If these tests produce results that are within normal limits, then your cat is more likely to have a behavioral issue.
SYMPTOMS: However, before you assume that a behavioral issue is causing this problem, consider this: felines with diarrhea or constipation are more likely to defecate outside their litter box. Diarrhea and constipation are not specific signs of any one illness and can have many causes. For example, diarrhea can be caused by parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergy and cancer. Constipation may be the result of a low-fiber or low-moisture diet or perhaps the presence of foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract.
When it comes to your feline having a behavioral problem, although it might seem unlikely, but just like you, they too are highly prone to different forms of stress. Cats are creatures of habit and like things to stay consistently the same.
Even small or trivial changes, such as a different type of litter schedule or a new furniture arrangement, or curtains that block a favorite view, can create stress in the feline. Major differences, such as the arrival of a new baby or changes in the owner's work schedule can easily create stress. Additionally, if you have two or more cats, there could be tension causing social stress between them -- even if it's not obvious.
RECOMMENDATIONS/SUPPLEMENTATION
There following actions represent some of the specific steps a cat owner can take in cases of urination and defecation disorders.
» Experiment with different litter contents and once you discover a litter that your cat finds acceptable, stick with it. Unscented, clumping litter is often advisable.
» If you have a multi-cat household, there should be one more litter box than there are cats. For example, if you have 2 cats, then you should have 3 litter boxes.
» Some felines like a litter tray with a cover for privacy; others -- especially older felines -- prefer an open box.
» Remove urine and stool clumps once or twice daily and change the entire litter contents every four days. Thoroughly wash the litter box once a week with hot water and do not use strongly-scented cleaners – these will leave a strong distasteful odor to your cat and may make the situation worse.
Felines don't want to use a dirty litter tray. It is repulsive to them to have to enter a non-clean space. If they step in a box and get urine or feces on their paws, they may not want to go back. Remember cats are fanatics about being clean!
Cats are also very sensitive to the smell of other cats and will steer clear of the excrement of another cat. If one feline is sick or on medications, this may change the odor of their excrement and the other cats may become especially keen to avoid the box if it is kept near their own.
Keep food away from litter boxes because cats don't like to eat near where they urinate or defecate. Locate the litter box in a place that your pet likes and away from cooking smells, drafts from windows or doors and loud noises from a washing machine or furnace. Cats prefer privacy. Placing the litter box in a busy location in your home may cause your pet to avoid the area, leading to location aversion and inappropriate elimination in other parts of the house.
Another stressful change that can lead to inappropriate elimination occurs when some cats develop a dislike to a particular litter after suffering from a painful bout of cystitis (bladder inflammation/infection) or lower urinary tract disease such as a blocked urethra while using that litter. This may also happen when diarrhea, anal sac problems or constipation occurs while using that particular litter. Basically, if the cat is uncomfortable in the box, an aversion can develop leading to an elimination disorder.
Some studies have shown that declawing results in an increase in litter box avoidance. One possible reason is that declawing removes part of a cat's toes, down to the first joint, so your feline now feels every scrape of the litter box. Some cats develop the preference for eliminating on the household rugs after the owner has placed a rug in front of the cat box to catch the litter. The cat may even scratch the rug like the litter in the act of covering even when the alternative is a clean box.
|
Integrative Medicine |
Not all animals can use all natural remedies; allergic reactions to oils
and/or herbs and digestive problems are possible.
A natural remedy is not a substitute for veterinary care.
The following nutraceuticals or natural/herbal formulas can also provide effective treatment for your feline displaying inappropriate urination/defecation behaviors.
» Bearberry and barberry have antiseptic and antibacterial properties which effectively help treat urinary tract infections. These herbs also reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
» Cantharis and staphysagris are homeopathic remedies that can provide symptomatic relief for a variety of urinary problems such as cystitis.
» Psyllium husk and canned pumpkin can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Start with a small pinch of psyllium husk, or 1/2 teaspoonful of canned pumpkin. Some cats like the pumpkin itself, but most prefer that it be mixed in the food.
Inappropriate Elimination (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference) |
FORMULAS |
DOSAGE |
MECHANISM/PURPOSE |
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Anxiety & Stress22 |
Canine and Feline formulas |
Helps relieves mental stress and anxiety. |
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Bacopa12 |
Cats: ¼ capsule bid |
Antioxidant effects result in enhanced nerve impulse transmission and repair of damaged neurons. |
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Calm™27 |
1 capsule per 20 lb bid or |
Supports a calm nervous system. |
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Calm Spirit23 |
Cats: ¼-½ tablet bid or tid |
No tranquilizing effect; helps relieve stress-associated emotions/reactions (e.g., anxiety, insomnia). |
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Compassionate Sage24 |
Cats: 2 drops bid |
Heart blood deficiency, qi deficiency. |
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Composure8 |
1 chew daily up to 25 lb |
For pets exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally- induced stress. It is an advanced formula that contains a combination of factors, not found in other calming formulas, that support balanced behavior. |
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Hyper-Ex12 |
Cats: ¼ capsule sid |
Saint John's Wort is best known for treatment of depression that is difficult to diagnose; possible antianxiety effects in some cats and dogs. |
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NutriCalm30 |
Cats, Dogs: 1 capsule sid to bid |
Contains tryptophan, an amino acid converted to serotonin in the brain. |
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PharmaGABAVET12 |
Cats: ¼ capsule sid |
Natural source of the major inhibitor neurotransmitter, GABA; promotes relaxation. |
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Rhodiola12 |
Dogs: ¼ capsule/25 lb bid or tid |
Reduces stress and calms anxiety brought on by loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms. |
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SedaplusVET12 |
Cats: ½ capsule sid |
Mild herbal tranquilizing combination; potential uses: separation anxiety in dogs; inappropriate urination and defecation in cats; for travel. |
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Shen Calmer3 |
Dogs: 0.5 gm/day per 10 to 20 lb |
Chinese herbal formula to help with restlessness and anxiety from sudden noises and thunderstorm anxiety. |
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Inappropriate Elimination (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference) |
FORMULAS |
DOSAGE |
MECHANISM/PURPOSE |
|||
Arthroplex12 |
Cats: 1 capsule sid |
Glycosaminoglycans will support mucosal barrier of bladder wall and relieve pain. |
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Ba Zheng San25 |
Cats: 2 pills bid or tid |
Decreases damp heat, promotes urination. |
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Bladder-CLR™27 |
1 capsule per 20 lb bid or |
Maintains normal bladder health. |
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Clearing23 |
Cats: ¼-½ tablet bid |
Clears heat from heart, lungs, liver, stomach, bladder; tonifies spleen qi, resolves dampness, circulates and nourishes blood. |
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CranGuard28 |
Cats: ¼-½ capsule tid |
Antibacterial; blocks attachment of bacteria to bladder wall, acidifies urine. |
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Inappropriate Elimination (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference) |
FORMULAS |
DOSAGE |
MECHANISM/PURPOSE |
|||
ArabinexVET12 |
Cats: ½ scoop sid |
Arabinogalactans from Larix occidentalis are water-soluble polysaccharides and fiber that support proper immune system function. They also support the growth of probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in the intestines; increase butyrate levels in colon. |
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Bio-B1212 |
Cats and dogs: 1/8 capsule/25 lb bid (up to ½ capsule bid) |
Animals with IBD often need supplemental B12. B12 is in a base of enzymes for enhanced absorption. |
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Colostrum29 |
Cats: 1 scoop or tablet sid |
Broad spectrum immune support, intestinal immunity and function. |
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CurcuVET-SA5012 |
Cats: ½ capsule sid |
Curcumin has ant-inflammatory properties, hepato-protective effects, increases glutathione levels, down-regulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), NO, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), decreases free radicals in colonic mucosa. |
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CurcuVET-SA15012 |
Dogs: 1 capsule per 75 lb sid |
Curcumin has ant-inflammatory properties, hepato-protective effects, increases glutathione levels, down-regulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), NO, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), decreases free radicals in colonic mucosa. |
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DipanVET12 |
Cats: ¼ capsule/meal |
Pancreatic enzymes. |
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Early Comfort24 |
Cats and small dogs: 2 drops bid |
Expels dampness. |
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Gastriplex12 |
Cats: ½-1 capsule sid |
Supports enterocytes; improves local immune function; soothes gastric mucosa; probiotics. |
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Herbal Bulk12 |
Cats: approx ¼ tsp/ meal (titrate to effective dose) |
Source of soluble fiber. |
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Folic Acid Liquid12 |
Cats: 1 drop bid |
Involved in intermediary metabolism pathways, including nucleotide synthesis, phospholipid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter production, creatinine formation; paired with B12 in production of methionine from homocysteine. |
|||
ImmunoVET-Fc12 |
Cat: 1 capsule bid |
Improves gut barrier function; immune modulator. |
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ImmunoVET-C12 |
Dogs: 1 scoop/25 lb bid |
Improves gut barrier function; immune modulator. |
|||
MediClear Plus12 |
Cats: 1/8 to ¼ scoop bid mixed with food or water |
Contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids needed to help detoxify, with additional gastrointestinal support for IBD patients. When detoxifying, additional amounts of antioxidants and co-factors for liver Phase I and Phase II enzymes are needed and these are supplied by this product; contains Meriva (same as CurcuVET). |
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Nutrigest30 |
As directed by weight |
Probiotics, FOS, psyllium, ginger, Oregon grape root that support intestinal function. |
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Quiet Digestion23 |
Cats: ¼-½ tablet bid or tid |
Helps with gastric distress, abdominal pain, bacterial or viral enteritis. |
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Seacure for Pets29 |
Cats: 1 scoop or tablet sid |
Bioactive peptides support enterocytes and intestinal integrity. |
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Small Animal |
Cats: 1 capsule sid |
Antioxidant. |
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Ultra Clear Sustain26 |
Cats: 1/8 to ¼ scoop, bid, mixed with food or water |
Contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids needed to help detoxify, with additional gastro-intestinal support for IBD patients. When detoxifying, additional amounts of |
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Zinc Citrate12 |
Dogs: ½ capsule/25 lb bid (up to 1 capsule bid) |
Essential for growth, immune system as a cofactor of superoxide dismutase. Do not over-supplement (can cause copper deficiency). |
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To help you quickly find the right Integrative Medicine formulas and manufacturers to help treat your dogs, cats and horses, please refer to the Veterinarians’ Desk Reference |
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(Always consult with your veterinarian to properly diagnose any health problems. Misdiagnosis and/or mistreatment -- including OTC and/or homeopathic products -- can lead to dangerous complications.)
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