So after my trip to the vet with Daisy, I ended up thinking about the end-er, the back end, of my Sphynx. Bella has had anal gland problems. So did Lucky. Now Daisy. To tell the truth, when Melisande Inness-Brown was here, she checked the cats for me and Starr has a LOT of stuff in one anal gland, she expelled it, and did Bellas. Daisy was already pissed off about something, so we let her be. ***This must only be done by an experienced Vet Tech or Veterinarian, Meli had the correct experience, do NOT try this at home.*** Going on the theory that perhaps all sphynx may need to have their anal glands expressed, when Meli went home she checked her cats. She has quite a few as she is a breeder. Every. Single. One. All of them except the kittens, needed their Anal glands Expressed. Now if you are squeamish, you may not want to read this next bit. The anal glands (also called anal sacs) are two glands that secrete a pungent fluid. The fluid travels through small ducts that open into the anus. Typically, this fluid is released during defecation or territorial marking. The anal glands/sacs are located on either side of the anus, just under the skin, at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. The glands are embedded in the muscle of the anal sphincter and are not readily visible. Sometimes when you clean that butt in the tub, you get a lot of brown on your cloth. That's the glands emptying, and it stinks. It is usually a dark brown and should have the consistency of water. Here's where I am leaving science behind and just going on my own observation. I strongly believe that where there is supposed to be hair on a hairless animals, systems don't work correctly. We all have a protective film on our skins at all times, called the "Acid Mantle." It's made up of sebaceous secretions (that's body oil) and sweat. Not gross, it actuall keeps bacteria out of the body. You know how bald guys get shiny heads? That explains the oily cats. And the ear wax. When you dip a piece of cloth in water, the water creeps up the cloth. That's how it works with body hair (or fur) and the oils of the body. No hair or fur, no removal of oil. Or anal gland secretions. So - when you see those two brown dots on each side of your cats butt? Well those are normal. But if they change color or protrude, then it's time to get checked. From now on I'm getting their butts checked regularly, and also whenever we are at the vet. Daisy's were overly full, and what was expelled was the consistency of wet cement. And that must of hurt a lot. Those little sac entrances are tiny. Lucky had the same problem. Starr did but more on one side then the other. He actuall stands only on one hind leg to poop, and I think that has something to do with it. Now, if only Starr would not curl his tail under him when he poops-that'a a whole other ball of, er, poop. No hair there? Keep a close eye on it. Well, not too close if you know what I mean! #sphynxloverblog
Uploaded by Airie McCready http://ift.tt/1ZuNC8n
http://ift.tt/1UctF67 June 07, 2016 at 08:14AM
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