Do my cat's anal glands need to be expressed?

eric981

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A few months ago I noticed that my cat had a black spot on her anus. I thought this was dried feces, but I couldn't wipe it off. It's still there today, and I've come to find out that this is most likely her anal glands. I can see two blackspots, one at 4 o'clock and another at 8, exactly where they would be expected. One of them is just a small black dot, however, the other is bigger and is a little smaller than the size of a pea (though no the same shape).  They're both black and have been there from quite some time. 

Is it normal to see them like that, and having one bit a bit larger? I haven't noticed any symptoms, but I know cat's can be good at hiding that. She uses her litter box fine and doesn't scoot or anything.

Her yearly vet visit isn't for two more months. I would prefer to wait till then to ask her vet about it however, I know how serious issues with the anal glands can be.

Is there any reason to be concerned? Do I need to go to a vet right away or can I wait a couple of months till her yearly visit?

Thanks
 

tamu708

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I would take her to the vet to be safe.  My Basil's anal glands have been impacted a couple of times.  The second occurrence was back in October.  The glands ended up rupturing and he got a very bad infection.  He had a high fever, was weak and stopped eating.  The vet expressed anything remaining in the glands and he had to be placed on an antibiotic for 10 days.  Basil is an absolute nightmare to pill.  I had to take him to the vet each evening and have them give him his medication.  Because it's happened to him before, the vet recommended I take him in every few months just to have his glands checked as a prevention.  

Hope everything works out ok with your baby.
 
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