Re: Cat ate string, how long to pass?

"MAG" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Hi folks-
>
> Saturday night at about 9 pm our cat, Mariposa, swallowed a piece of
> cotton string. It was soft cotton string (not kite cord), about 18
> inches long.  We saw half of it sticking out of her mouth, went after
> her to get it from her, and she bolted the rest down while we tried to
> grab her.
>
> Called emergency vet; they said to keep feeding her, NOT PULL on it if
> it starts to come out, and monitor for any signs of discomfort.
>
> OK it is 36 hours later.  She's pooped a couple times (no string), is
> eating normally, and is acting in her usual fashion (sleeping, watching
> us with an air of superiority). No signs of discomfort.
>
> Yesterday afternoon we started giving her Laxatone, to make sure she's
> properly lubricated to hopefully ease the passing.
>
> How long should it take something to work it's way through in the normal
> fashion? I'm worried about the posts I've seen of things "sawing through
> the intestines."  YUK!
>
> Her normal vet is open today and we will call them, but I thought I'd
> post for experiences here.  Basically, how long do these things take,
> presuming the string passes through her without serious problems?
>
> Marc

If I were you, I'd have an ultrasound study done ASAP to make sure the
string isn't pleating up the intestines.  X-rays won't show the string, but
they might show pleated intestines.  I'd repeat the ultrasounds until she
passes the string...   I tend to err on the side of caution which some
people consider "overreacting"...  but that's just me.

String and threads are particularly dangerous because they tend to pleat up
the intestine and also cut through the intestine wall leading to the very
serious condition of peritonitis.

Best of luck.

Phil