Hi Traci....

[Mou Chat]

Hello miss Traci,

Our older son's mother in law has a kitten and his anal glands leak
all the time. She has had them expressed twice and they just keep
leaking. Can you remove a cats' anal glands? I had a Great Dane
that had to have them removed.....but

Thank you dear!

[Traci]

Hi Mou,

Ask the vet if kitten's diet may be the culprit, sometimes the wrong diet can cause hard (or soft) stools that can in turn cause straining which can cause anal gland excretions. A high-quality appropriate kitten diet might help considerably.

Also, sometimes kittens (or any adult for that matter), when excited, may self-express their anal glands (no control really, it just happens when they are excited). In that case, it may resolve when kitten gets older.

The anal glands can be removed, but this is usually reserved only for severe or debilitating cases (like chronic infected glands or swelling or masses etc) - but in a kitten, or any cat where this is not truly necessary, I would avoid this surgery.

[Mou Chat]

The vet said it was "overactive anal glands". I'm sure the kitten is getting

good food, because of my teaching my sons!, but I will check. The little

guy leaves his dribbles all over, and the lady is not a happy camper. Do

you think it is caused by poor neutering at the shelter? Not that it would

make any difference.

I suppose he is getting SD food...what would you suggest?

Thank you Traci,

Mou

[Traci]

Did something go wrong with his neuter?

No, neutering probably had nothing to do with this.

But, the owner should ask the vet how to express kitten's anal glands at home - WARNING, this must be done gently and properly. Applying a warm compress to the anal area a couple/three times a day also can help, by the cat self-expressing them from the warmth - a clean damp soft cloth can be used to do this and used also to keep the secretion from flying into the owner's face

The vet really should examine closely, for any signs of swelling near the anal sacs, or purulent or bloody discharge, indicating potential infection. The owner should also be looking for this, particularly signs like blood, pus, swelling or a bruise-like appearance, scooting on the floor, or constant licking in the area. If infections are not caught and treated properly, the condition can worsen which can become chronic and actually require surgery. So, preventing this early on is the best method.

Feeding Science Diet shouldn't be a problem, as long as kitten is not straining, producing hard stools, is not constipated, etc.

If the vet isn't looking closely or is complacent, maybe see another vet for a closer examination to ensure there is no infection present. Until then, the owner can apply warm compresses, gently, for several minutes at a time a few times a day to help soothe the area, and keep kitten's rear end clean. NO RUBBING, as this can induce spread of infection. Ideally, the vet should show owner how to express the anal glands at home, but owner must be very careful. Again, rule out infections first!

[Traci]

Forgot to mention, if kitten is highly energetic, or if there are other cats in the home, he may be establishing territory by secreting his anal glands, some cats do this to mark their stool/litterbox (outdoor cats may do so nearly anywhere). Most indoor cats don't do this, or at least it isn't noticeable as much to us humans. So, kitten's personality, traits, the way he gets along with other cats or dogs in the home should also be considered. That said, it is more important to rule out infections and learn how to express the anal glands at home. Hopefully, it's nothing serious and will resolve in time.

[Mou Chat]

BUT DAHLING! She would no more do this than step in a cow pattie.

She has taken the little boy to two vets and the last one at least said

it was "overactive anal glands". The first one just yawned. I'm afraid

the kitty will get sent back to the rescue and we know what will happen

then. I will try to get Kim to take the kitty to my vet.

Thank you Traci

[Traci]

Ah.

Can your son learn how to express the anal glands? I'm just thinking this may only be temporary, and patience might be the key, at least to see if kitten will outgrow it soon.

If a new vet doesn't determine infection or other anatomical problem with the anal glands, then surgery could be an option. I'm just trying to get the owners to avoid surgery in a young kitten if at all possible, because no kitten or cat should ever have to go through an unneccessary surgery/anesthesia. If it means relinquishment to the shelter, I kinda have to question, what if kitten got sick from any other condition, would the same apply? (you don't have to answer that, I'm just speaking out loud)

[Mou Chat]

You can always speak outloud to me Traci. She takes good care of
her kitties but she wants them to use the litterbox in the garage,(cat door), and no messes. She just isn't like us Traci. I will ask Kim if
the kitten quit dribbling after it was expressed. If so, he could go over
once a week or so and do it. I don't live anywhere near. I will do my
best to resolve this and report to you.

Hugs!!!!

[Traci]

Please do keep me updated when you can, hopefully it will resolve on it's own, but don't undermine the possibility of an infection, get that ruled out.

Btw, I do have a young female who, when she gets too excited at times (lovey), will dribble, it's not her fault - it's just something that happens. She's just the sweetest little thing, and as you know, things like that never bother me (Huggies baby wipes are handy for that) - such as stepping in cow patties

[Mou Chat]

Well, it is settled. She will take the kitty in this thursday

for surgery to remove the glands. Wish the kitty good

things.