We took Schmitty to the vet this morning. Thanks to this post on Gothamist and Jen Blossom (who helped answer questions), we discovered The Cat Practice, on Fifth and 20th in the city. It was a pain in the butt getting there and finding parking but it was totally worth it in the end. Schmitty was not only treated with the greatest of ease but I also saw the vet sneak a smooch on his head. He was the perfect big guy. He did so wonderfully. He had his anal sacs squeezed out. (Which basically exploded all over the vet when he applied the smallest amount of pressure. It was all over the table as well. Thankfully, I was in the other room having the other vet fax over his old bloodwork. Otherwise, I would have probably vomited or at least gagged.) He also had some blood drawn and was told to go on a diet. Uhoh.
I love this cat as does Tobyjoe. He really is a considered a part of our family. Quite honestly, I can’t imagine this apartment, or our life, without him.
(I really want to thank Gothamist and Jen for helping me find the vet. It takes a huge weight off when you find a group of strangers who care about your cat as much as you do. Thanks, guys.)
You know I love schmitty and that I’ve been there with the pet trauma, but I just gagged a little.
Yep.
It’s ok. I understand.
so, you left toby to deal with the anal explosion? That makes it even funnier.
Schmitty is adorable. What a mush – I can totally understand wanting to smooch on that head.
I’m really glad things went well for you guys there. Our cat Kali had to have her glands “expressed” (hee) once too, and she was considerably happier and more comfortable afterward. Hopefully Schmitty will be feeling like himself again soon.
I’ve had cats all my life and they’ve never had to have their glands expressed. Were we just neglectful or is this a seldom occurence?
We’ve had cats that have… um… expressed their glands themselves in certain situations, but we’ve never taken them in.
Am I missing something? Do they need to be in some kind of discomfort in order to have them treated?
Schmitty was acting funny for the past several weeks. Basically, if we touched him on the back behind the shoulder blades he’d freak out and jump off the sofa. It was like someone was sending electric shocks up his spine. I, of course, freaked out and thought he was dying or something. Well, apparently this is a telltale sign of full anal sacs. I had no idea! And now that I know, that’s been Pookum’s problem as well. Weird. We’ll have to take her in too.
They gave us a sheet on ways we can do this ourselves but surely that would cause me to swallow my tongue. I am not sure I am capable.
I guess they are good at hiding the pain/annoyance when there’s a problem. My understanding is that it’s pretty common. :/
maybe that is my neighbors problem. she needs her anal sacks squeezed.
did it also cure his hiccups?
http://www.boingboing.net/2006/10/06/cure_hiccups_with_a_.html
I’m glad you and Schmitty like the Cat Practice.
The awesome thing about a post like that (which our advice contributor Christina wrote) is that lots of people chime in with their thoughts and experiences. And it can help lead other people to try new things. So it’s all good.
Every time I look at this picture I want to bury my face in that fuzzy belly. How’s Schmitty feeling?
He’s fantastic. His blood work came back yesterday. He’s A-OK. Now we have to get his teeth cleaned, which means going under, which I am not sure I want to do again because he’s old and that worries me a bit. :/
I’m so happy to hear that! The anesthesia thing always worries me a bit too, but I’m sure he’ll do just fine.
Yay, Schmitty!