Re: Cat ate string, how long to pass?

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
says...
> 
> "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

Hi guys-

Still waiting. Thanks for the followups.  We've talked to our vet, and 
she says that as long as the cat is eating and pooping normally, and 
acting otherwise normally, that she will probably pass the string OK. 
So, we've been advised to sit tight for the moment.  I'll keep you all 
posted.

Marc