Scooting, licking below tail or the anus signals potential impacted anal glands requiring attention.
Scooting Giveaway
Look and feel for signs of inflammation around their anus with gentle pressure indicating infection.
Check for Swelling
Bad fishy odor emitting from behind usually accompanies fluid buildup when glands overfill.
Olfactory Clues
Vets express by applying thumb/finger pressure at 4 and 8 o’clock circulating secretions upward.
External Manual Evacuation
Conservatively try once monthly forcats prone to repeat obstruction and inflammation.
Temporary Relief Method
Rapid swelling, non-healing wounds, blood, or pus requires urgent veterinary drainage and antibiotics.
When to Call the Vet Asap
Anal gland impaction risks life-threatening sepsis and discomfort decreasing quality of life.
Potential Complications