Well, on Monday of this week, we found ourselves back at the vet. I got home at around 4pm and shortly after heard Lily make that familiar "something is not right" meow, followed by some tell-tale (tell-tail?) scooting. Mind you, it had only been a couple of weeks since we were last at the vet with an anal gland problem.
I picked her up and checked her rear end, only to find a lima bean-sized squishy lump. It was definitely not hard like the lump she had last time.
BIG SIGH.
Lily was clearly uncomfortable. While I got on the phone to the vet, she climbed onto a shelf in the closet.
Poor sweet baby. This is the face of a kitty who doesn't feel well.
When I call the vet, I no longer even have to identify myself. We are now frequent fliers, but not in a good way! Amazingly, I got lucky again this time and her vet had a 5pm cancellation, so off we went.
Lily has to be sedated for the procedure. This time, the vet brought her back into the exam room while she was still out so that I could see the area in question. I was able to actually see the anal glands (they're very small and not easily visible). When the sac fills with fluid, the swelling forms to the side, as I had observed.
The vet has now expressed her glands so many times that he believes she has a physical malformation on one side which keeps the gland from emptying normally. This explains why it keeps clogging. If material dries up inside the sac, it blocks the opening. So it's best to keep on top of this situation. If she comes in next time when the lump is still squishy, he may even try to express her glands without sedation. Although she tolerates sedation well, it would be best if we could minimize it.
The vet has now expressed her glands so many times that he believes she has a physical malformation on one side which keeps the gland from emptying normally. This explains why it keeps clogging. If material dries up inside the sac, it blocks the opening. So it's best to keep on top of this situation. If she comes in next time when the lump is still squishy, he may even try to express her glands without sedation. Although she tolerates sedation well, it would be best if we could minimize it.
Our sweet Lily is now FELINE much better. You can see how relaxed she is when sleeping now -- not hunched up and looking sad.
So Lily's week ended much better than it started. We just hope to keep it going for a bit longer this time!
Happy Feline Friday!
4 comments:
It can be so worrisome when dealing with persistent issues with our fur babies! “Meowmies” can get overstressed, and need some relief, too! I feel for you, and Lily. Wish there was a way to get lots more water/fluid into her, which still might help some. It’s the only thing that seems to help the most with Romeo. Did the vet say that low sodium chicken broth would be ok to give on a regular basis? I can’t remember if when you were trying that some time ago, that it worked or seemed to improve her condition some. Hang in there!
Thanks for stopping by! Lily does like broth and gets it occasionally, although not as often as she could. That's a good reminder. She likes it and it's a good way to get more fluid into her -- and also fill her up!
Her glands seem to clog at irregular intervals which is puzzling to me. You'd think they'd fill up gradually but obviously with the one being malformed, it can clog at any time -- even if it just clogged last week. We'll just continue limping (or should I say SCOOTING? LOL) along.
Thanks as always for popping in! Hope all is well in your world! :)
Yes, that malformed gland does put a twist on things.... Wishing you the best of luck!! We’re moving along day by day. So happy here in our new home! Enjoying many firsts, including looking forward to experiencing our first Spring and Summer here. :) Anxious for the arrival of more birds, seeing more glimpses of other wildlife, and getting lots of flowers, shrubs and a couple of “decorative” trees planted! Take care!
Wonderful to hear! I look forward to seeing pictures of your new space. How fun it will be to enjoy the surprises of spring and summer in a new yard! Have a great day! :)
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