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Feline ruptured anal gland

Sent to Pet Experts July 12, 2006 12:55 p.m.

I Have a 10 year old female spayed indoor cat. She developed an infected anal gland that ruptured one week ago. She was placed on Clavamox BID, and is now doing better. The area is now open 1" x1/2" and into the subcutaneous tissue, with muscle visible. The wound is clean, red tissue,no drainage, no odor, and the surrounding tissue is intact. The open area does involve the anal gland. She is afebrile. She allows warm 1/2 strength saline/ H202 soaks. The vet is undecided about closing the wound or letting it heal by second intention. Are there any suggestions? Thanks

Optional Information:
Age: 10; Female; Breed: cat short hair

Already Tried:
Soaks & Antibiotics

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Info Request
July 12, 2006 1:17 p.m. (22 minutes and 10 seconds later)

REPLIED to Info Request

Dear friend,

Please stand by while I type detailed answer.

Thanks,

Terri

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Please press ACCEPT if my answer was helpful and leave feedback Thank you! Terri

Terri Riba -- Animal Healthcare expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2591 Pet Accepts
20+ years in vet care experience in medicine, behavior, nutrition, holistics

Answer
July 12, 2006 1:28 p.m. (10 minutes and 29 seconds later)

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Terri Riba -- Animal Healthcare expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2591 Pet Accepts
20+ years in vet care experience in medicine, behavior, nutrition, holistics

Reply to Terri Riba
Sent July 12, 2006 1:34 p.m. (6 minutes and 34 seconds later)

do you need additional info?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Info Request
July 12, 2006 1:40 p.m. (5 minutes and 52 seconds later)

REPLIED to Info Request

Have you had any bloodwork done to ascertain if her organs could tolerate a procedure?

Is she in pain now?

Is she eating drinking and pottying normally?

__________________
Dedicated to Cats and the people who love them!
Please press ACCEPT if my answer was helpful and leave feedback Thank you! Terri

Terri Riba -- Animal Healthcare expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2591 Pet Accepts
20+ years in vet care experience in medicine, behavior, nutrition, holistics

Reply to Terri Riba
Sent July 12, 2006 1:42 p.m. (2 minutes and 23 seconds later)

She had a complete blood panel which all came back normal. She is eating well, drinking well, and has returned to normal voiding.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
July 12, 2006 2:13 p.m. (30 minutes and 30 seconds later)

REPLIED

If she was my cat I would continue as you have been and see if she can heal this on her own. It sounds like she is in good shape and her immune system is strong. I would not want to put her through this surgery unless it became absolutely necessary because she will be in pain afterwards and stilll have to heal the incision.

What do you think?

Please let me know,

Terri

__________________
Dedicated to Cats and the people who love them!
Please press ACCEPT if my answer was helpful and leave feedback Thank you! Terri

Terri Riba -- Animal Healthcare expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2591 Pet Accepts
20+ years in vet care experience in medicine, behavior, nutrition, holistics

Reply to Terri Riba
Sent July 12, 2006 2:21 p.m. (8 minutes and 9 seconds later)

Is there probability that the anal gland will heal over and become re-infected ...if left to heal without surgery... versus having surgery. It seems to me that the possibility is there with, and, without the surgery, and unless not having surgery would greatly increase this risk of additional problems with the gland, does it seem more prudent to use a more conservative approach?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
July 12, 2006 2:29 p.m. (8 minutes and 23 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

Dear friend,

You make a valid point. And yes, there is always the possiblitity that the gland could heal and then become reinfected. My only concern is your cats age. The older a cat is - the less we like to give the anesthesia because there is always a risk.This risk increases with age. Unless the gland is removed in it's entirety - it can still become reinfected in the future even with surgery..That is why your DVM is undecided because he knows it can go either way. AS long as it continues he heal - I would wait a bit.You can alsways do the procedure, if necessary.

Terri

__________________
Dedicated to Cats and the people who love them!
Please press ACCEPT if my answer was helpful and leave feedback Thank you! Terri

Terri Riba -- Animal Healthcare expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2591 Pet Accepts
20+ years in vet care experience in medicine, behavior, nutrition, holistics

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