A Persian Cat’s Struggle with Nutrition and Digestive Issues
Koa, a Persian cat, had digestive health concerns for most of his life. His family, along with the Sunstone Internal Medicine team, tried multiple diets and medications to improve his nutrition and gastrointestinal health. However, Koa still experienced frequent diarrhea, soft stools, and occasional vomiting.
As his condition worsened, he started urinating and defecating on kitchen rugs, withdrawing from his family, and even becoming more aggressive. Concerned, his family turned to Sunstone Veterinary Specialists for further help. They wanted to understand why Koa’s symptoms persisted and what could be done to improve his quality of life.
The Importance of a Nutritional Assessment
To better understand Koa’s health, the Sunstone Nutrition team asked his family to complete a thorough diet history form. Using this information, along with his medical records and lab results, Dr. Taryn Pestalozzi, who is residency-trained in small animal clinical nutrition, performed a full nutritional assessment. She evaluated Koa’s medical status and previous diets, looking for nutrient imbalances or ingredients that could be contributing to his digestive issues.
Dr. Pestalozzi suspected that Koa might benefit from increased fiber and a switch to a hydrolyzed protein diet. This diet change could be the missing piece to help in resolving Koa’s chronic diarrhea.
Koa’s Visit: A Team Approach
On the day of his consultation, Koa was examined by three specialists:
- Dr. Taryn Pestalozzi (Residency-Trained in Small Animal Clinical Nutrition)
- Dr. Jani Remsburg (Internal Medicine Fellow)
- Dr. Lillian Su (Surgeon)
Since Koa tends to get anxious at the vet, the team carefully planned his visit to keep him comfortable. They used gentle handling techniques and provided a quiet space for his exam. Dr. Pestalozzi and his family discussed his diet and selected a new food, understanding that adjustments might be necessary.
During the exam, Dr. Su also discovered that Koa had back pain, which could have been contributing to some of his behavioral changes. A treatment plan was created to address his discomfort, helping him feel better overall.
Finding the Right Diet
Koa’s family introduced his new diet gradually, following a structured transition plan recommended by Dr. Pestalozzi. However, Koa loved his new food so much that he started eating it faster than expected! Once transitioned fully to his new diet, the change in his digestion was almost immediate – his diarrhea stopped, and his bowel movements became normal.
A Happy, Healthier Koa
After a few weeks on his new diet and treatment plan, Koa showed remarkable improvement:
- He now uses his litter box regularly
- Vomiting episodes have stopped completely
- He is more affectionate and interactive with his family
Initially, Koa was kept in a separate bathroom while adjusting to his new diet to ensure a controlled environment. Now, he has returned to his usual spaces, spending time with his family and his canine siblings, who also seem to appreciate his improved mood!
The Importance of Proper Nutrition
Koa’s story is a perfect example of how the right diet can help transform a pet’s health and well-being. It also highlights the collaborative approach at Sunstone Veterinary Specialists, where multiple experts work together to create tailored treatment plans for each pet.
Nutritional consultations play a key role in managing chronic conditions like Koa’s, helping to address food sensitivities, digestive problems, overall health concerns, and more. If your pet has ongoing digestive issues or other diet-related challenges, a consultation with our Sunstone Nutrition team could make a significant difference.
Is Your Pet Struggling with Digestive Issues?
Every pet deserves a diet that supports their unique health needs. If your cat or dog is experiencing chronic digestive problems, Sunstone Veterinary Specialists is here to help.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how a personalized nutrition plan could improve your pet’s health and happiness!
Residency-Trained in Small Animal Clinical Nutrition
