Dexter/Surgery/ Help

xocats

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My Sweet Dexter Boy, had an emergency vet visit today. He has a chronic scent gland problem. They plug up & need to be expressed. He goes to the vet to have it done. It can be very uncomfortable & sometimes painful for him.
Today surgery was mentioned as a possible option. At my vet's they have removed dog's scent glands but not a cat's. One known possible problem is that he could lose his ability to control his bowels after surgery because of nerve damage.

Please...if you know anything about scent gland removal in cats please let me know. I need a lot more information. I've tried to research it on the net with no results.

I would not do it unless it was critical to his quality of life...that is part of what I must weigh when making a decision.
Thanks for your help.
 

hissy

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How strong is your stomach? The reason I ask, is that with a vet showing you, you can empty these glands yourself. It is not easy to do, and it reeks but sometimes it is necessary. The surgery if you do go for it, I would find a cat specialist that has done this before. It involves some delicate nerves and blood vessels and done by an inexperienced vet, can end up badly. Cats will become incontinent after the surgery for a period of at least a few weeks, but other problems can occur as well. I would think long and hard and find the right vet to do the surgery, or ask your vet to show you how to express the glands yourself. If your cat is obese, that often leads to anal sac problems-

Best of luck-
 
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xocats

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Thanks for responding hissy,
Dexter is feeling great this morning. The swelling in his anal area is gone. There was no infection. Dexter has had the scent sack plugging problem since he was a young thin boy. I tried to express them myself but was not successful so I take him to his vet to have it done. They do not charge to do it. I have decided that I will not consider surgery at this time. Only if it becomes essential to Dexter's health, will it be a possible option and as you suggested, only by a cat specialist who has done the surgery before.
I truly appreciate your feedback.
 
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xocats

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Thanks Stephanie...your tender caring always helps when things get tough. This is a good news day. Please give Sweet Sierra our love.


Originally Posted by dawnofsierra

I sure am glad Dexter is feeling better today!
 

sandra

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Aww... I am glad Dexter kitty is feeling better
... Sorry I didnt see this earlier. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers though that he continues to feel better. Give him scritchies from me and the kid and half-kid
.
 
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xocats

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Thanks so much Sandra. It means so much to know that you care. Until I found TCS, I felt alone, when health problems happened to my kids. Not any more...I have found a place where others understand my love for kitties & I am truly grateful. Head butts to you.


Originally Posted by sandra

Aww... I am glad Dexter kitty is feeling better
... Sorry I didnt see this earlier. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers though that he continues to feel better. Give him scritchies from me and the kid and half-kid
.
 
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