DVM Candidate 2025 The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Columbus, OH, United States
Abstract:
Background: Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk for presenting with constipation. Hypothesis/
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to objectively measure defecation frequency in cats with and without CKD. It was hypothesized that cats with CKD would defecate less frequently than healthy cats.Animals: Cats with stable IRIS stages 2-4 CKD (n=9) and healthy control cats (n=9) with no known history of overt constipation.
Methods: Prospective observational study. Serum biochemistry, CBC, T4, urinalysis and blood pressure was performed in all cats to confirm health status. The Petivity™ Smart Litter Box Monitor System was utilized to collect real-time defecation data. Data was collected via the Petivity™ app for 30 days during which medical management and husbandry remained consistent. A Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the total number of days without defecation between CKD cats and healthy cats over 14, 21 and 30 days.
Results: CKD cats had significantly more total days without defecation than healthy cats at 14 (p = 0.001), 21 (p = 0.0004), and 30 days (p = 0.0003). Median total days without defecation across 14, 21 and 30 days was 5 (1-8), 7 (3-9) and 10 (5-13), respectively, for CKD cats compared to 0 (0-4), 2 (0-4) and 2 (0-7), for healthy cats.Conclusions and clinical importance: Cats with CKD defecate less than healthy cats which may be an indicator of subclinical constipation. This information could allow for earlier interventions and therapies, possibly preventing episodes of overt constipation.
