Health nightmare, dew claw amputated and now comoacted anal gland

[GhostJakal]

My lovely biy Mortie who is 11 has had no issues until now. He accidentally pulled out his dew claw beginning of this year, after several infections, eventually decided to amputate the whole digit. Hes ok now but recovery was really rough and took 3 weeks. Hes too clever, moment we got him home he went sicko mode and hulked out he ripped off his cone and bandage, off his face on the surgery meds and was running around falling off things etc. Eventually got sedatives off the vet as we literally had to watch him 24/7 as no matter what cone (had to use ring/flower cones only thing he'd keep on) he could still reach it, hes so long. Me and my partner had to sleep in shifts was terrible. Finally last monday its all healed, cone can come off. We finally relax. Then Thursday we notice him being quiet and a bit grumpy, but thought hes probably still recovering from surgery. Same then friday but I noticed him going to lick his bum but not quite managing and then saw he had a huge swollen anal gland.
We took him to the emergency vets that friday night when we saw it and he was so sore they couldn't express it so gave is a week of painkiller/anti inflammatory and antibiotics with the hope of it calming down to express it after a week. They also said they rarley saw glands before they had ruptured as you cant see it happening so much on regular cats. So cone back on -_- Saturday after getting him home he had a small purple spot and a little scab develop. Through the day developed to a big bruise with a few sores and some liquid coming out if the anal gland exit. Think its more swollen. Called vets, they said it will probably rupture and to call when that happens. Most they can do now if hes in alot of pain is to lance it but they were hoping to avoid a wound if it goes back down. I feel so guilty and awful about what he's going through and me and my partner can barely cope with the lack of sleep. He's a little grumpy and sleeping alot but he has asked for love and is eating drinking and pooping normally. He did run for a bit on his wheel too. I guess I'm just venting really but feel like I've failed him. The smell is obviously upsetting him as he keeps trying to lick it, smell where hes been sitting. I'm worried hes going to end up needing another surgery, it was so traumatic last time.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Oh gosh, how stressful for all of you. I hope they can avoid surgery as I am sure you both are exhausted physically and mentally. Please keep u[dating this post as your info will help others in the future. Feel free to vent to us any time…we understand. Lair Prayers are sent.

 

[Yoda mom]

@GhostJakal , oh my heart, hugs and positive vibes for sweet Mortie. He has the best of love and care, you are not failing him. all paws are family. we are here for you. Prayers for good news updates. You got this Team Mortie.

 

[GhostJakal]

Thank you both. We called the vets and sent them multiple photos, they told us we could wash it with a salt water solution twice a day which we started doing. It's looking horrific today though and he's not good so called again as we have no idea if this is a normal process. We're taking him in today at 3pm so will update again after that.

Attached a photo of him in his giant cone with his bro Rincewind.

 

[Yoda mom]

@GhostJakal , glad you are getting him back to vet today. you are amazing parents and my heart goes out to you and him going thru all this. all paws crossed for the update later. hugs n head smooches to adorables Mortie and Rincewind. when you get a chance, let us know what soft cone that is.. I have not seen that one and it is helpful to all of us.


positive vibes team Mortie!

ps... ask if vetericyn spray (non toxic) would be beneficial to spray on swisspers cotton rounds and gently dab area. many of us keep it on hand .

from AI quick search you can discuss with vet:
Yes, Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Wound and Skin Care can be safely used to clean minor irritation, inflammation, or an open/ruptured anal gland abscess on a cat. [1, 2]
Vetericyn is an over-the-counter hypochlorous acid-based solution that acts as a gentle, non-toxic antimicrobial to flush and clean the area. [1, 2, 3]

How to Use Vetericyn for Cat Anal Gland Issues

• • Clean the Area: Gently wipe or flush the external anal area with warm water, saline solution, or diluted antiseptic. [1, 2]
  • Apply Vetericyn: Spray or apply Vetericyn Plus directly to the affected skin or open sore 2 to 3 times a day to reduce bacteria and support healing. [1, 2]
  • Prevent Licking: Stop your cat from grooming or licking the irritated area, which can worsen the infection. You may need to use an Elizabethan collar (cone). [1, 2]

 

[GhostJakal]

https://amzn.eu/d/02S9qv0T

This is cone has has atm, its a L and you can pull a string on the outside to make it more cone shape. Mortie wont tolerate anything touching the back of his head. But can flop it the other way like an umbrella.

Thank you for the advise and the kind words. I will look this up!

They managed to express it at the vets today. It was not fun for any of us but he's deffo a bit perkier now the pressure has been relieved. Stuff is still coming out though so having to clean it occasionally and hes not happy about it. Big shouts. but he did go for a run on his wheel when we got home. The vets couldnt investigate it properly as the skin is all stretched and black and wounded but they dont think its right or why it happened. We're taking him back friday after a few days of healing hopefully for them to investigate further whether he needs the skin removing in another surgery >< and if the course was a tumor which obviously isn't news we want. Fingers crossed for friday. I can attach photos if people want to see but theyre pretty grim and graphic so wanted to check first.

I can also link the other cones hes been wearing that are a little smaller too.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Glad they were able to express some of the buildup. Thankful these guys typically heal very fast, so hoping by the next checkup it looks much better!