Anal glands in cats: Cleaning at home and in the clinic

Timely cleaning of the paraanal glands is a hygienic procedure necessary for the normal functioning of a cat.

This paired organ is responsible for secreting secretions during defecation and attracts animals of the opposite sex. Blockage of the anal glands is a fairly common problem, accompanied by pain, itching, and the inability to defecate normally. As a result, the glands become inflamed, body temperature rises, the pet’s general condition worsens significantly, he refuses to eat, and sometimes an abscess develops.

There are known fatal cases due to blood poisoning due to the spread of a purulent infection from an abscess throughout the body.

Most often this problem occurs in males, but it also happens in females. Long-haired breeds are most susceptible. The exact cause of blocked glands is not known, but it usually occurs in cats that are obese, have injuries in the anus, lead a sedentary lifestyle, have an unhealthy diet, or are constipated.

Symptoms of inflammation of the pancreas in cats

The main complaints with which a cat owner turns to a veterinarian are obsessive licking of the perianal area (under the tail), in some cases there may be depression, refusal to eat, pain when touching the back of the body, fever, sometimes blood in the stool, difficulty defecation, vocalization during defecation. The area of ​​the anus on the side of the inflamed gland is swollen and red. If an abscessed gland is opened, the fur in this place will be stained with purulent-bloody contents and gland secretions.

Diagnosis of inflammation of the paraanal glands in cats

The diagnosis is made by visual examination of the perianal area and, if necessary, if spontaneous opening of the abscessed gland has not yet occurred, by rectal examination. To do this, the doctor inserts the index finger into the anus to a depth of 1-2 cm, determines the location, size, and tenderness of the gland by palpation, and then cleans it by gently squeezing it.

Where are the anal glands located?

All dogs have two small glands (sometimes called anal sacs or sinuses) near the anus. They perform several functions: marking territory, scaring away enemies, attracting other individuals, intraspecific identification. The anal glands usually secrete a few drops of marking secretion whenever your pet defecates.

Please note that the anal sinuses are located inside soft tissue and are normally not visually detectable. When the glands become clogged or inflamed, they can become enlarged, causing discomfort for your pet.

Treatment of inflammation of the paraanal glands in cats

1) If the inflammation in the gland is mild, cleaning the glands followed by suppositories or ointments for rectal administration with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help. In case of severe inflammation, the gland cavity can be washed with medications, followed by the introduction of an antibiotic into it. Then periodically you need to carry out preventive cleaning of the glands to avoid re-inflammation. Their frequency depends on the rate of accumulated secretion and the ability of the gland to cleanse itself. This can be from several times a month to 1-2 times a year.

2) In case of purulent inflammation (abscess), the veterinarian opens the cavity, treats it with antibacterial agents and, if necessary, drains it. To protect the gland and prevent the cat from possibly eating the medications used to treat the wound, an “Elizabethan collar” is put on the animal during treatment.

3) Sacculectomy is the surgical removal of the gland. This operation is used for congenital pathologies of the glands, often recurrent inflammation, and if neoplasia is suspected.

Prices for cleaning the anal glands

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How does the procedure work?

If the blockage does not lead to complications, the procedure for cleaning the glands consists of mechanically squeezing out excess secretion through the anus using sterile napkins.

In case of severe pain, a minimum 7-day course of antimicrobial therapy (antibiotic injections with novocaine) is prescribed. If there is severe inflammation, the glands are washed with an antiseptic solution. In some cases, an opening and sanitation of a purulent wound is performed.

If the pathology becomes chronic and you have to clean the anal glands too often, your doctor may recommend surgical removal.

The Bio-Vet veterinary clinic employs qualified veterinarians of all specializations who have extensive practical experience and sincerely love animals. With us, your beloved pet will always be healthy and happy! The main thing is to consult a doctor on time. The clinic's branches are located in all districts of Moscow, in Reutov and Lyubertsy.

Prevention of inflammation of the paraanal glands in cats

To prevent inflammation of the glands, it is necessary to monitor the cat’s health. Avoid gaining excess body weight, digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhea), feed properly and efficiently. The diet should be easily digestible and contain a sufficient amount of fiber, which is necessary for normal gastrointestinal motility. Feed only fresh, high-quality products or prepared foods, avoiding overfeeding your pet. Completely exclude spicy, fatty, salty, smoked and canned foods from your diet. And under no circumstances should you feed your cat food from the table.

Reasons for violation

Normally, the produced secretion has a liquid consistency, discharge occurs during the act of defecation or during hygienic procedures (licking), when violations occur, the secretion itself becomes thick, and irritation of the mucous membrane appears. It is possible that pathogenic microflora enters the gland from the intestine, resulting in bacterial inflammation. If treatment is not started at this stage, an abscess will develop.

Blocked glands are most common in young males who lead a sedentary lifestyle. The reasons for this situation can be a variety of factors:

• abundance of cartilage and bones in the diet;
• injuries in the anal area;
• unbalanced diet, which leads to constipation;
• physical inactivity;
• metabolic disorders and obesity;
• congenital anomalies in the anal sphincter area;
• pregnancy;
• intestinal parasites.

How to recognize the disease

A disease diagnosed in the early stages of its manifestation will not cause problems for the owner and will not take a lot of time. The best way to determine inflammation of the paraanal glands, if you do not have confidence in your strength and ability to perform the procedure yourself, is to seek help from a qualified specialist.

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You need to know how to carry out the procedure of cleansing the anus at home, otherwise it can lead to a number of complications . For example, animals do not always behave adequately during procedures. Or, when “surgeons” squeeze the glands, they can touch a number of important nerve endings, blood vessels, etc. in the area of ​​the paraanal glands.

Services for cats

Cat grooming price includes:

• haircut (at your request);
• nail trimming;
• care consultation;
• combing.

• Exact prices and cutting time depend on the breed and complexity of the services, are set by the groomer and negotiated with the client;
• Warn the groomer about your pet’s behavior patterns and possible aggression;
• Prices for grooming for exhibitions and haircuts for outbred dogs not included in the price list are negotiable;
• Our specialist will tell you how to properly wash, dry, and comb your animal. She will select the necessary cosmetics taking into account the individual characteristics of your pet.

Special feed

When the paraanal glands are inflamed in cats, it is also necessary to add specialized food to their diet, which normalizes digestive processes and blocks inflammation. The advantage of the finished product is the accurate calculation of the vitamins, minerals, and herbal components necessary for the pet. Owners cannot always calculate the dosage of nutrients on their own, which often leads to the development of complications in the animal’s body. Below are medicinal foods that are recommended to be given to a cat for inflammation of the paraanal glands.

Royal Canin Fiber Response

Dietary food used to normalize digestion and stool in kittens.

The product contains:

• vegetable protein in the form of dehydrated chicken;
• corn, wheat gluten;
• plantain seeds;
• chicory extract;
• fish fat;
• egg powder;
• yeast;
• yeast extract;
• soybean oil;
• fructooligosaccharides.

The benefits of the food include:

• normalization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• inhibition of oxidative processes in the animal’s body;
• softening of hardened feces;
• Possibility of purchasing products in both dry and liquid form.

Disadvantages of the product - overpriced, the presence of some contraindications (enlarged colon, chronic stomach pathologies). Additionally, Royal Canin Fiber Response is not suitable for regular use.

Hills Prescription Diet Feline

Natural food that restores metabolic processes in the cat’s body. Hills Prescription Diet Feline blocks inflammation and stabilizes stool.

The product includes:

• chicken or turkey meal;
• corn;
• cellulose;
• rice powder;
• soybean oil;
• beta-carnitine;
• vitamins B12;
• mineral components;
• tocopherols.

Benefits of the food:

• develops a feeling of fullness due to fiber;
• helps to lose extra pounds and normalize the condition of bone and muscle tissue;
• normalizes the functioning of the digestive organs;
• stimulates intestinal motility;
• prevents the occurrence of kidney and liver pathologies;
• prevents the development of obesity;
• has good taste;
• Available in dry and liquid form.

The disadvantages include the cost of feed - 2 kg of finished products will cost animal owners 2,000-3,000 rubles.

Farmina Vet Life Gastrointestinal

Dry food for cats from 1 year to 6 years. The product blocks inflammatory processes, stabilizes the functioning of the stomach, and prevents the development of obesity.

The food contains:

• dehydrated poultry meat;
• oats;
• corn gluten;
• flax seeds;
• dry brewer's yeast;
• calendula extract;
• vitamin A;
• vitamin D3;
• vitamin B1;
• folic acid;
• beta-carotene;
• cellulose;
• vegetable oils.

Product advantages:

• useful vitamin composition. At the same time, it contains more plant components than Royal Canin food;
• the presence of mineral supplements that strengthen the pet’s immunity, bone and muscle tissue;
• the presence of fiber, flaxseeds, vegetable oils, which normalize the gastrointestinal tract, accelerate metabolic processes, and block inflammation.

The disadvantages include the cost of feed. The average price for products is 2,500 rubles.

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Feline NF Renal Function

Dietary food for cats from 1 year to 6 years.

The product contains the following components:

• corn;
• soy flour;
• wheat gluten;
• animal fat;
• dried poultry protein;
• egg powder;
• pea fiber;
• beet pulp;
• omega-3 acids;
• trembling;
• antioxidants;
• macro- and microelements (iodine, iron, copper, selenium, manganese, zinc).

Product advantages:

• reasonable price (compared to food from more popular brands);
• a small percentage of phosphorus and carbohydrates in the composition. This helps burn extra pounds and prevent the development of kidney pathologies;
• useful composition with vitamins, mineral components, plant extracts.

The disadvantage of the feed is the limited content of high-quality protein.

Frais Adult Cat Turkey

Low-calorie food for cats from 1 year to 5 years.

Includes:

• turkey or chicken meat;
• whole grain wheat;
• animal fat;
• taurine;
• vitamin A, D3;
• cellulose;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium.

Benefits of the food:

• affordable price;
• vitamin composition that normalizes digestion and blocks inflammatory processes;
• no GMOs;
• no artificial preservatives.

The downside is that the food is only available in dry form.

Visiting a veterinary clinic

Even if the owner constantly empties secretions from the paraanal glands, it is necessary to contact veterinary clinic specialists for prevention and care advice.

The doctor will perform a procedure to clean the secretion, and, perhaps, an unpleasant action for the cat will have to be carried out several times . This depends on the degree of neglect of the excretory system. The process may be accompanied by the use of candles,

If your pet suffers from frequent inflammation of the anal glands, then doctors recommend cleaning once a month. Because due to the general characteristics of the body or factors in the living conditions of the cat, this disease is not uncommon these days.

The problem of inflammation of the anus in neutered cats is especially pressing. If left untreated for a long time, it can lead to cancer. Timely treatment of inflammation of the paraanal glands of a cat will improve its health and prolong its life.

The procedure for washing bags can only be carried out by a specialist. It is recommended for particularly protracted illness, when suppuration has already covered most of the surface of the anus.

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Treatment of the paraanal glands can take a long time, with daily use of the procedure. The process itself includes several steps :

• Preparation of the drug, which is injected into a syringe without a needle;
• The medicine is injected into the cat's anus;
• The manipulations are repeated several times until the liquid becomes completely light;
• And after the process is completed, a special antibacterial and soothing ointment is placed inside.

It is also recommended to put a blanket, collar, scarf or diaper on the cat to prevent the process of licking the treatment area.

Symptoms

When the outflow of secretions is disrupted, excess fluid accumulates in the anal sacs. They increase in size, which causes severe discomfort to the pet.

Owners may notice the following signs of inflammation:

• constant licking;
• restless behavior;
• change in gait;
• anxiety during defecation, because this process causes pain in the cat;
• refusal to eat;
• the pet does not allow you to touch the back of the body;
• sometimes blood in the stool;
• increase in body temperature.

To make sure of the diagnosis, you need to show the cat to a specialist. You can first examine the anus area yourself. You will be able to detect swelling on one or both sides; when pressed, the animal experiences pain, while with gentle squeezing, a light yellow liquid with an unpleasant odor is released from the glands; the more advanced the disease, the darker the secreted liquid.

How to clean the glands yourself

At home, you need to clean the anal glands in the bathroom. It is best to wear protective clothing, since during the procedure the animal secretes an unpleasant-smelling secretion. You should ask someone to help, as the cat will need to be securely restrained. There are 3 cleaning methods.

The first method is external cleansing. Initially, hand disinfection is carried out. Then, you need to press on the cat’s paraanal glands with your thumb and forefinger, squeezing out the accumulated fluid.

The second method to cleanse secretions is internal cleansing. Carried out with gloves. The index finger is inserted into the animal's anus. From the outside, the thumb massages the paraanal glands to release the secretions. With this method, a thick and viscous liquid comes out.

The easiest way you can do at home is to use special products. The animal's anus is lubricated with anti-inflammatory ointment.

How often to clean the glands

The question of how often to clean cannot be answered precisely, since it depends on the animal. Sometimes, only one cleansing is required to avoid returning to this issue, and sometimes the procedure has to be carried out several times. The main thing is to closely monitor the animal and prevent the disease.