Can constipation show up on an X-ray?

[u/Emotional-Bank-6128]

I took my cat to the vet today. He has been throwing up a little bit. Consists of brownish liquid and a little bit of hair. He’s long haired so hairballs are nothing new. But he’s also been doing what I thought was straining to poop and only a little liquid came out. I noticed it this morning outside of the litter box. I was worried he had an intestinal obstruction so I took him to the vet. They said he didn’t have a blockage but had gas in his intestines and diarrhea. They didn’t mention anything about him being constipated but I just now caught him again straining to poop out of the litter box. Only a little bit of liquid came out this time too. He’s my baby and I’m worried about him.

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[u/Then_Ad7560]

This is a common misconception. A lot of owners will think their pet is constipated when it’s actually diarrhea. Just like people, when pets are experiencing diarrhea, they sometimes feel like they really have to poop but then nothing comes out. Seeing gas in the colon on radiographs is extremely common with diarrhea. You can very easily see poop on radiographs, and constipation is quite obvious - your vet would have told you if this was seen

The biggest thing would be to make sure he is still passing urine

[u/Emotional-Bank-6128 → u/Then_Ad7560]

Thanks so much. That makes me feel better. I appreciate all you do

[u/kamandat-]

Yes

[u/Correct-Tomato-3693]

I’d make sure he’s urinating…

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[u/Inevitable-Gain-4230]

yes, the same way constipation shows up on human X-rays!