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Ask the Veterinarian/Cat's inflamed but; ongoing problem

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Expert: - 4/6/2011


Question
I have an eight year old cat.  A couple of years ago, we learned that the cat had a congenital kidney problem with one kidney being much larger than the other one.  At this time, our cat was diagnosed with kidney and bladder stones.  Also, at the same time, the cat's butt was very red and the vet said that the anal glands needed to be released.  Since then, we have had a constant problem with the cat's butt being red and inflamed; all she seems to do is lick her butt.  The problem cleared up for several months, but then re-occurred.  We have a topical spray with which to treat cat, but it seems to make no difference.  

What could be some other causes for the inflamed butt?  Do you think I should take her to another vet?  I took her to our current vet AGAIN about six weeks ago for this problem; spent $350.00 for bloodwork, etc.  Cat was given an antibiotic injection.  There is still no improvement.

I would appreciate any advice that you can give.  Thank you.

Answer
I honestly don't know why it would be red all of the time, except that the constant licking will keep it red and inflamed. Why it got that way to begin with is the mystery.

Now if they were impacted to begin with, and she was licking then, she started a cycle of irritation that emptying the glands didn't address. She probably needs another exam, rectally preferably, and then some steroid cream to help this.

You might have to get an e-collar for a brief time to prevent the licking trauma she is causing to herself.

If she doesn't improve with these measures then you might want to consult a new vet.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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