Causes of canine constipation??

[JanetGeorge]

My old-ish Springer has had a couple of attacks of apparent constipation in the past few weeks. This resulted in depression and complete loss of appetite though he continued to drink a lot.

Have treated him with Lactulose solution each time and he has come good - but any ideas on causes.

He has two meals a day - tinned meat with a small bite mixer.

I'm reluctant to take him to the vet as he is a real stresshead - and aggressive with 'strangers' (like everyone except my husband and me!) He's a rescue - we've had him 12 years.

 

[noodle_]

same here...my springer x collie had a couple of days of refusing to eat and not going to the toilet (although weeing fine)

she was fine after a couple of days...

im not sure what to advise except mabey ring the vet and asking about something to help him go?

 

[Alexart]

Is he peeing a lot? Constipation is usually because they've eaten large amounts of bones and do those lovely green hyena poops, or they are dehydrated, which if yours is drinking a lot I would have thought isn't an issue unless he has a heart or kidney issue and is getting rid of fluid else where and not through the gut, heart usually ends with fluid building in the tissues though and dogs are often breathless before you notice a problem, but kidneys can be an issue with older animals and can be far less obvious a problem. I'd give your vet a ring, explain things and have a chat over the phone, he maybe able to suggest a few things before having to take him in or treat him at home, or at least take a blood sample or something, if he's a stressy type, that's what we've done in the past with vetphobe animals - costs a bit more but is well worth it to avoid the stress for everyone!! Also a good idea to try and get a pee sample to send in just to keep the vet happy and to help point the finger at the cause and rule out other things - baking trays, patience and sneaking abilities are great for that!!! You could in the meantime increase his wet food, decrease the dry and add a spoonful of olive oil or some such just to help move things along!!

 

[Jay89]

What food are you feeding him? Diet can play a part in constipation, it may be better trying a better quality food such as Hills, Royal Canin or James Wellbeloved.

 

[Laafet]

What food are you feeding him? Diet can play a part in constipation, it may be better trying a better quality food such as Hills, Royal Canin or James Wellbeloved.

Mine was on James Wellbeloved when he was constipate, never had the problem on the much cheaper Gain dog food. His was more to do with not taken on enough water and refusing to have it in his feed but now he is fine. I did have to give him liquid paraffin on one occasion as he was straining to go but not managing anything, that was under advice of his vet.

 

[mynutmeg]

I had problems with this when my collie first started on opiod drugs for arthritis (obvious cause there) and used lactulose very successfully. If its a regular thing maybe worth giving a small amount of lactulose on a regular basis BUT phone and discuss with the vet first - would be worth phoning them to talk it through as they can usually give decent advice on the phone without the stress of going in

 

[Spudlet]

Is he a scavenger? Henry eats anything and everything, and pays the price... He's not having a nibble on something naughty while you're not looking, by any chance?

 

[JanetGeorge]

Is he a scavenger? Henry eats anything and everything, and pays the price... He's not having a nibble on something naughty while you're not looking, by any chance?

lol, mine's called Henry too! But he's not a scavenger - and he doesn't have the access to the whole farm and stables as my others do (my staff don't like being bitten!!)

He had another 'attack' yesterday so took him to the vet and it appears that constipation is the least of his worries. Blood test showed anaemia, and a couple of other odd results. Possibly liver damage/infection so we're starting with antibiotics (and continuing the Lactulose) and in a week we'll do another blood test to see if he's improving. Vet started waffling on about all the diagnostics we could try - which I had to bite my tongue over - as it's more than 8 years since she told me I should consider putting him down because of his nervous aggression!

The odd thing is the Lactulose 'cures' him (or at least gives him his appetite and bounce back) in about 10 hours - so he'll be on that full time now (twice a day.)

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I wonder if adding oil to the food regularly might help? My lot all get salmon oil. Raw liver generally works wonders, too!