4 replies to this topic

[ShaabaMcShaabsons]

Hey guys,
Well, as we all know, Cairns will eat pretty much ANYTHING. My Shaaba is no exception. He's my first pet, so at first I was worried when he'd get into things, but I've noticed that whenever he eats something he shouldn't it comes out (one end or the other). However, lately, I've noticed that he's been having problems using the bathroom (number two). He normally gets it out after a minute or two, but this morning, he was straining and couldn't get it out. We actually had to go inside and try again about 30 minutes later. He finally pushed it out, but it wasn't that much. He's acting completely normal otherwise. Should I take him to the vet to get x-rayed or wait it out a few more days and see how he does?

Thanks in advance.

[MegsMom]

Give him some pumpkin, about a tablespoon, and see if that helps. Canned, double-check the label that it's 100% pure pumpkin and not pie filling. Or, since there's a shortage and may be hard to find, cooked yam/sweet potato (2 Tbl). Some stores have 'yam patties' in the frozen section, those are OK as long they don't have too many 'extras' added--fourth of one patty. [Often looks like meat packaging; foam tray w/ clear overwrap.]

[sheila and Misty]

did you see him from the time he started to go? if it was just one time he may have had gas and thought he had to go and just did a little poo with that,or....maybe ghe dropped a larger load somewhere and sometimes they walk away from that pile as they are straining and only a bit comes out., or sometimes theres a long strand of grass that is syill conected to another peice of poo(I hate that one). If he continues in the next day or so to eat and not go I would vet check If he stops eating or eats veeerrry little over the next two days -vet check if he acts all uncomfortable and hunched up-get to the vet. other wise(no pun intended) this too shall pass

[Kit'sOwner]

Yup - pumpkin! Works both ways: for constipation and for diarrhea. Great stuff, pumpkin!

[Hawkeye]

Not to be an alarmist, but my concern would be a blockage especially since he eats things he shouldn’t. How long has this been going on? And does he still eat as normal? If the pumpkin doesn’t work I would have him checked out by the vet.