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Monday, September 1, 2003
Surgical Removal Will Solve Gland Problem
By Dr. Jeff Nichol
For the Journal
Q: My 4-year-old male cat has had anal gland problems since he was a year old. Our vet has expressed them several times. He now wants to remove them, as he got blood out (for the second time in two months). I have heard he could lose control of his bowels. He is my best friend and I don't want to lose him. I myself had cancer and he helps me keep going.
Dr. Nichol: The subject of anal glands, while a fact of life for all cats and dogs, may be a bit odious for the breakfast table. You will want to finish your tea and crumpets before reading further.
Ready? Situated on either side of the pet's anus are glands that produce a most vile smelling fluid. Lots of species have them; the skunk's being the most reviled. Unlike their striped cousins, cats and dogs have little influence over this rear end accessory. Fortunately, most pets peacefully co-exist with their anal glands. Normal activity in that neighborhood of the body puts occasional pressure on them and they pass their fluid into the area of the anus.
But alas, anal glands aren't your pet's friends. If the fluid stays bottled up inside, it gets thick and congealed or even infected. Many pets lick the area; some scoot on the floor. That rear end dragging may be amusing to watch, but it's a sign that your pet is uncomfortable and needs to have his anal glands emptied.
It takes us only a minute and the cat or dog feels better in a hurry. It's quite simple; you too can master this fine art of pet care. On the other hand, if reading this is causing you an unpleasant physical reaction, you can be rid of the whole mess and have your cat's anal glands surgically removed.
I understand how important this boy is. If the surgery is done by skilled hands, recovery is quick and healthy physical functions never miss a beat. With your cat's anal glands causing him such a frequent pain in the rear end, I say go for it.
Q: My female Welsh Corgi is 3 months old. She is digging in all my flowerbeds. I have placed some large rocks where she is wanting to lay and dig. Nothing deters her. I don't want to give her up, but if she keeps digging up all my plants, I have no choice.
Dr. Nichol: Your cute little Corgi is actually behaving normally. A bed in the cool moist earth is just heavenly on a hot summer day. That dirt is fluffy and oh so soft. And, hey, she's a youngster and a girl's gotta have fun.
The solution is simple. Give the kid her own garden. Cultivate, aerate and pamper a dog-sized area on the north side of your house where it's always shady and cool. Mist it daily so it's even better than your garden. Then get out there and sling some dirt right along with her— really show the kid how to have a good time. But when you work in your own garden put that young squirt in the house. You're the boss and she will follow your example.
Dr. Jeff Nichol cares for pets with behavior and health disorders at the Adobe Animal Medical Center in Albuquerque. He is the author of two books, "Is My Dog OK?" and "Is My Cat OK?" Send questions to www.DrJeffNichol.com or 5920 Fourth NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107.