DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz MY burmese cat has had an anal gland abscess at least twice over the past year. What can I do to prevent this reoccurring?

Anal glands are a pair of sacs opening either side of the anus lying at 4 and 8 o’clock when viewed by lifting the tail. They are scent glands and are usually emptied each time your cat has a bowel movement. Sometimes the gland openings become plugged and can develop an infection that may lead to an abscess which drains to one side of the anus. Your cat will try to lick the area and be sore there when her tail is raised. Your vet will express the anal glands and give antibiotics to treat the infection. To prevent reoccurrence you could try adding fibre to your cat’s food to make her stools larger. The better option is probably to have her checked by your vet every three months and have the glands squeezed out.

Our old dog Ben is about to be euthanased at home because he has terminal cancer. Should we have our other dog Roxie, present at the time so she knows that Ben has departed?

I am often asked this question. Usually I suggest the other dog is kept in a separate room so the focus is on the departing pet. After an appropriate time the other dog is brought into the room. Often there is little interaction other than a sniff of the departed pet with more focus on the humans present. It is difficult to know if this allows some perception of departure for the remaining pet but in the coming weeks you will see Roxie trying to find Ben and being puzzled at his absence. If Roxie is a quiet dog then she may lie peacefully in the room at the same time. Your vet will be able to help you adopt the best compromise.