Anal gland issues, could use help

kttn

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Hi, I could use some input on this. 5 year old female. She sometimes expresses a liquid that is the worst smell on the planet. It's usually when she's picked up in a weird position or her upper back legs get pushed on a bit. You know how cats like to get in the way and walk in front of you and you accidentally give them a small kick? That will make her glands express. It has even happened on my leg (yuck!).

This has ALWAYS happened with her, it's not a new issue. The vet has always said her anal area looks healthy, some cats are just sensitive like that. Vet isn't concerned.

It doesn't seem to matter whether kitty is on a dry or wet food, or what quality. She currently eats Wild Calling, Hound and Gatos. Adding fiber to her food does help a LOT, it reduces frequency by about 50%. She's currently getting 1/4th tsp flaxseed meal (vet direction) with every feeding. We also tried pumpkin. It worked just as well but was messy and smelly in its own way so sticking with flax. If I skip doing it even one meal she reverts immediately. Her poop has always looked firm enough. She doesn't mess with that area or show any pain/discomfort.

I guess my question is: is there anything we can do better? Can I up the dose? Are there better fiber sources? Maybe a high fiber wet food (she needs low carb as well). The smell clearly offends her/makes her unhappy when it happens and I have to clean her up. 

Thank you!
 
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LTS3

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The vet or a groomer can express the glands to empty the goo out. You can also express the glands yourself when your cat needs it done. Your vet can show you how to do this or see one of the many Youtube videos on how to do it. Some cats need a little help with their anal glands no matter what type of diet is fed.
 

SeventhHeaven

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Here groomers charge an extra 40-50.00 to do this.  Used to be part of the grooming process.

Gloves, youtube video with an assistant good to go.
 
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kttn

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Has the vet expelled the glands?
 
The vet or a groomer can express the glands to empty the goo out. You can also express the glands yourself when your cat needs it done. Your vet can show you how to do this or see one of the many Youtube videos on how to do it. Some cats need a little help with their anal glands no matter what type of diet is fed.
the vet has never done that. the vet actually told me everything looks good down there. i should probably get a second opinion huh
 

talkingpeanut

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the vet has never done that. the vet actually told me everything looks good down there. i should probably get a second opinion huh
Yep! Your poor cat shouldn't be spontaneously combusting.
 
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kttn

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thanks everyone :)
 
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