Constipation is a common disorder in cats. The use of intestinal prokinetic drugs such as cisapride, a serotonergic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT₄) receptor agonist, may be vital to managing the chronically constipated cat. However, cisapride was withdrawn from the market in a number of countries and is only available from compounding pharmacies. This retrospective study describes the use of another 5-HT₄ receptor agonist, mosapride citrate, as monotherapy for cats with frequent episodes of constipation.

Fifteen cats were evaluated for straining to defecate and failure to pass stool for several days. A physical examination revealed dehydration and a firm fecal mass on abdominal palpation in all of the animals. On right lateral abdominal radiographs, moderate to severe dilation of the colon with impacted feces was seen. Each cat was given an enema, and standard of care medical management was prescribed. However, constipation recurred in all cats. To enhance colonic motility after the passage of feces, mosapride was administered orally at a dose of 5 mg per cat every 12 hours. While receiving mosapride alone, there was no recurrence of constipation in 14 of the cats. None of the animals experienced gastrointestinal adverse effects or prolongation of the QT interval on electrocardiogram.

Administration of mosapride as monotherapy appears to be an effective therapy for management of feline constipation or obstipation.