Salem gets it at both ends ...
I saw our younger cat, Salem, "sleigh-riding" a few days ago. This refers to a cat propelling himself across carpet to scratch his bottom. Now, if Salem was an outdoor cat, this would have been a sign of worms. But he is not. He is afraid of the outdoors. I kept an eye on him, watching him closely. It seemed like he was cleaning his nether region more frequently. So I called the vet and we went in.
Turns out that his anal glands are infected. The vet had to "express" them to empty. Lucky Salem ...
Anyway, this means that he has to get an antibiotic pill twice a day. We've never had to give him a pill before. He can inflict some serious damage if provoked! I was very nervous the first time I gave him a pill. He made the scariest noise I've ever heard come out of him, but the pill went down and I had no scratches or bites.
But then he was wise to me for sure after the second pill. So Nod gave him the third pill. Okay so far - no blood.
But this morning he was wise to Nod's second try at it. So the both of us did it - and both of us came away with marks. And each time there was that horrible-you-will-die-noise emitting from Salem.
The other part of the treatment is to put ointment on the anal gland area. Yup, you read right. Luckily, these glands are just barely inside the anus. And I don't have to put on much. And it's just once a day.
Oh, what we do for our furry children!
posted by dddragon at 8:27 AM
11 Comments:
Poor Salem, speedy recovery for his sake but moreso for yours. Blech!
One of our cats is so heavy, she can't clean her bottom very well, and it gets rather, ummm, well, crusty. The Missus gives her a shower, then shaves that area so nothing hangs around.
That cat screams like nothing I've ever heard. I'm surprised the neighbors haven't called 911 by now.
Good luck. Maybe you can draft TLP and Acton for a surprise dosage.
Yipes....That must have hurt!
Wishing salem a quick recovery.
It is fairly common for housecats to get impacted anal glands. You should watch the vet express them, it is educational.
First, the vet has to grasp the gland with a forefinger and thumb. Thats right, just reach right up in there. Kitty never really likes this very much.
Then you give it a squeeze, like a zit that needs popping. Kitty REALLY HATES this part.
Then, there is a foul smelling ooze. But when it is all over, Kitty feels better. There is no more scooting.
The good news for you is that if it happens once, there is a good chance it will happen again. Something to look forward to.
My white long hair cat Sake has dingleberry issues, but so far none of my current cats have had anal gland issues.
Ewwwww...... thanks so much. I needed to hear this.
Fred, Acton Bell would faint. They still tell the tale of how she fainted in health class in High School. They were showing a birthing film.
Lucky Salem, Lucky Dddragon, Lucky Nod.
Lucky Vet!
I very much know that sound, starts out like a lowwww rumbling growl with the ears back...shoot, I've made that sound myself.
Poor thing, that goes out to all of you.
Doesn't your cat know that what you are doing is for good? You need to explain it better.
And which hand did you use to spread on the anus salve? And which hand will you use to wash the lettuce?
sorry dddragon, but seeing a cat or dog sleigh-riding always makes me laugh! hey, i did say sorry, didn't i? hope Salem gets well soon!
Oh boy, GOOD TIMES! I hope you don't get too injured.
This should earn you some sort of Mother-of-the-Year Award, for sure.
Post a Comment
<< Home