Use of polyethylene glycolelectrolyte solution (GoLYTELY) for management of acute fecal impaction and chronic constipation in a cat.

A 13-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (Madison, Wisconsin, USA) because of severe, persistent fecal impaction following cholecystoduodenoplasty performed 4 d earlier. The impaction did not resolve with common medical management, prompting initiation of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES, GoLYTELY; Braintree Laboratories) via esophageal feeding tube. The cat showed rapid improvement, and PEG-ES was discontinued following resolution of the impaction. However, 23 d later, the cat was re-presented with chronic constipation. Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution was reintroduced via esophageal feeding tube as a long-term therapy and resulted in successful management of symptoms. This case demonstrates the efficacy of PEG-ES in managing both acute fecal impaction and chronic constipation in a cat. Key clinical message: Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution should be considered for cats with fecal impaction or chronic constipation, particularly in cases that are refractory to traditional therapies or cats that have an esophageal feeding tube placed. Its use may help avoid more invasive procedures while offering a safe and effective alternative for colonic evacuation.