Ask your vet to help you with this.

Constipation in cats is usually secondary to another issue. That’s the hard part: trying to figure out the underlying issue(a). I usually advocate for a change in diet, adding fiber or a laxative and getting these cats up and moving. But these do not usually cure the underlying condition alone. Often a full bloodwork, X-ray and ultra sound are needed to help uncover the cause.
It is also helpful to learn how to palpate your cat so you can tell if the feces is gettin backed up. In some cases I teach people how to give sq fluids at home to help add water and soften the feces to make it easier to pass.

I would guess it is a histiocytoma. But it is just a guess until it is removed and submitted for biopsy. A biopsy is the best way to diagnose a lumpy or a bump definitively.

Hello,

It sounds like you have done a really amazing job at this complicated disease. It also sounds like you need some additional help with pain management. I would ask about further options. I like methocarbomal for these cases but other options like gabapentin and buprenorphine are also meds to inquire about.
It takes time and beagles are pretty notorious for being vocal and hesitant about handling after trauma or surgery.

I hope this helps. I have a lot of information on this on my blog and YouTube channel.

Best of luck.

Hello,
I’m sorry to hear about your dog. I am happy to see your pet at my vet clinic in Maryland. It is the only way I can offer pertinent advice that is specific to each patient.
Without a biopsy it is impossible to know whether this is benign or not. Also in some cases the mass may be an incidental finding (no clinical relevance). We should always treat the patient and not make presumptive decisions, especially euthanasia.
I feel it to be morally and ethically dishonest to ever recommend euthanasia without a definitive diagnosis AND a suffering patient.

I hope this helps. I apologize for the delay.

Hello,
If you are questioning a diagnosis then seek a second opinion from another vet or ask for a referral to a neurologist. Either way don’t forget to keep checking the bladder by palpitation. Your vet can show you how to do this. And making sure it is jet empty as much as possible

Hello!
I applaud your dedication to this cat. It’s a hard case based on the cats temperament but it sounds like you are doing all you can. I wish you the very best of luck!

Hello,
Well I have to say I haven’t had this experience with any of my patients. So we are in uncharted waters here.
I suppose the answer is do you have to spend a whole bunch of money to try to find the reason for an issue that doesn’t really seem to be affecting your cat? The answer is both yes, because in my experience it can be really hard to know if this is truly causing your cat discomfort because they hide it so weep that often you don’t realize it was a problem until it’s gone and your cat acts happier. The answer is also no. If you can’t afford what the specialist offers (as many cannot) then it is acceptable to just go on as you have been.
But my preferred answer is to find another vet who isn’t afraid to do an exploratory surgery and look for a fistula or draining tract that might be the solution to the problem. Keep looking there are vets out there who are very proficient in surgery and might be willing to try.

Keep me posted. God luck.

I agree with Laura. There are lots of things you can add to enrich the time you spend with your cat, and, lots of things you can add to your cats environment to help provide additional play enrichment. Think about toys, rotate and add new ones. Add a bird feeder outside a window. Games. Even teaching your cat how to walk in a leash with a harness r in a stroller. There is no limit to what a cat can learn and where you can go with that.
Have fun. Literally.

hello!
I am sorry to hear about your pup. First things first. we can manage pain (or at least we should be doing everything in our power to try). If the pain isnt subsiding within a day or two call the vet and ask to be seen again. There is a litany of pain medications available. Often we dont provide enough, or the correct combination at the first vist.
Second, we need a diagnosis, at least a tentative diagnosis to try to understand what course of treatment options are needed and what to expect from each option, or as time progresses.
third, every patient should be offered a referral to a specialist sooner versus later.
thats where i would start at this point with your dog.

krista