title: Safety and palatability of polyethylene glycol 3350 as an oral laxative in cats.
abstract: Recurrent constipation is a common problem in cats. Laxatives often are the cornerstone for management of recurrent constipation; however, there is a paucity of published research on laxative use in cats. This study investigated the safety and palatability of polyethylene glycol (PEG3350) in normal cats. All cats consumed the PEG3350 laxative for 4 weeks without changes in weight or food intake. In all cats soft stools were achieved. Effective doses varied widely in experimental cats, so individualized dosing is important. Mild, non-clinical hyperkalemia was noted although the cause is unknown.
authors.affiliation: Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. fiona.tam@usask.ca
authors.forename: Fiona M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Tam
authors.forename: Anthony P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: Sherry L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Myers
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D054368:Laxatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D054368:Laxatives; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols