title: Uncontrolled study assessing the impact of a psyllium-enriched extruded dry diet on faecal consistency in cats with constipation.
abstract: Two field trials, involving 66 cats (15 trial 1; 51 trial 2) were conducted to assess the efficacy of a psyllium-enriched diet for management of constipation in cats. After investigations and faecal evacuation (by enema if required), all cats were fed on a moderate fibre, psyllium-enriched, dry extruded diet. Additional therapy was either not used (trial 1), or initially allowed but was subsequently withdrawn if possible (trial 2). The diet was well tolerated, and palatability was excellent. Most cases improved after initial therapy (at 2 months; trial 1: 14/15 [93%]; trial 2: 42/51 [82%]), and faecal consistency improved significantly in both trials (P < 0.001). Use of cisapride and lactulose decreased significantly in trial 2 (P < 0.001 for both). The diets used in these pilot studies were efficient in the management of recurrent feline constipation. Randomised control trials are now recommended to examine whether a clinical benefit can be proven.
authors.affiliation: Clinique Vétérinaire Alliance, Bordeaux, France.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Freiche
authors.forename: Doreen
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Houston
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weese
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Evason
authors.forename: Géraldine
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Deswarte
authors.forename: Gérald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ettinger
authors.forename: Yannick
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Soulard
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Biourge
authors.forename: Alexander J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: German
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy*; D002415:Cats; D003248:Constipation / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D054368:Laxatives / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011620:Psyllium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D054368:Laxatives; D011620:Psyllium