Trichobezoar, What is that?!

Ah, your finally laying down in a cool dark room, your head comfortably resting on a pillow, and your all snuggled up in a warm fluffy comforter.  It’s been a long day at work, and an even more hectic evening running errands.  After you finally get to sleep, and begin to dream peacefully, you hear a wretched sound!

Somewhere nearby, an animal seems to choking, hacking, and coughing up something horrendous!  Do you get up now and take care of the lovely gift your feline friend has left you, or get comfy again, only to pick it up in the morning, provided you don’t forget about it and place a sleepy foot right on it.

For all of us who have been chosen as the servants of select feline friends, we know these to be hairballs, or a trichobezoar, as we call them in the veterinary industry.

So how do these wonderful presents develop and find their way to your carpet?

While your cat is happily grooming during the day, a certain amount of hair is caught in her rough tongue and swallowed.  They more she grooms, the greater the chances for a hairball to develop.  In most cases they are harmless, though, not so fun to discover.  If your cuddly kitten seems to leave these for you often, you may need to help her with grooming and the management of her trichobezoar. 

Most hairballs are around an inch long, and about ½ inch wide.  They can be longer, and I have assisted one of my Veterinarians in the anesthetized removal of one that was over an inch thick and 7 inches in length!

What predisposes my cat to Trichobezoar?

·         Long haired breeds

o   Persians, Maine Coones

·         Excessive grooming

·         Mature cats, who spend more time grooming, and less time playing.

·         Seasons that involve shedding

o   Spring is in the “hair”!  J

Remedies?

Absolutely, there are gels, pastes, mineral oils, and laxative based.  Doesn’t that sound appetizing?!  Or you could try the newest launch from Vetri-Science® Labs. 

Feline Furball Plus

·         Convenient and very palatable treat

·         Available in a 60ct. bag

·         Give 4 treats once or twice daily for about 2 days if you suspect a hairball

o   The Papain in here will help break up the mucous holding the hairball together.

·         Give 2 treats a day for maintenance and general coat health

o   Omega 3&6 fatty acids combine with Biotin and Zinc for healthy hair coat

Where do I find these awesome treats?

Your fluffy feline friend will be so happy with you, as you jump in your car, drive to your local veterinarian and request a bag of these treats.  You know who else will be excited?  Your significant other, or whomever is charged with cleaning the carpet!

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your newest product from Vetri-Science®.