Anal Gland issues

Hi Everyone,

I am doing research on Anal gland removal for our cat Izzy.  Our vet continues to recommend this procedure every time I visit which is every 6-8 weeks  when Izzy  goes for his routine expression.  I just can't imagine, it much cause the animal unbelievable discomfort.  Any recommendations? 

Thanks

Can you express the glands yourself at home instead of having the vet do it? I express one of my cat's anal glands whenever they get stinky, maybe every couple of weeks. I can do it on my own but an extra pair of arms may be needed to hold less patient cats. The vet can show you how to express the glands or you can look up videos on Youtube. Unless the glands are constantly infected I don't think the removal surgery needs to be done.

I managed to find this very old thread on the subject, and someone had good results on their DOG when they had them removed, but someone else had horrible results, so, as always,...good and bad.

Here's the thread:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/74974/anal-gland-removal-good-or-bad

WHY is your Vet recommending removal?   Is it just because the glands need to be expressed so often?  I know of a couple of cats who need that, but I've never even heard of someone talking about removing them until now.  Does your Vet feel it's a health issue at this point?  Has your Vet performed this surgery before?