What to expect after my cat's anal gland expression, steroids, antibiotics?

Steroids, especially by injection, can cause severe side effects in cats, it can affect the gastrointestinal system and even cause diabetes and heart disease in severe cases. you should take Sibby back to the vet ASAP in order to get it checked and treated.

Poor Sansa! It is possible these clinical signs are related to the injections. Steroids can make pets have many side effects and upset stomach is one of them. The antibiotic is typically better tolerated but it can also make pets have a upset stomach as well. It’s also possible this is coincidental. I recommend to call the veterinarian and alert them as to what you were seeing. They may ask to see Sansa to check her for a fever or other evidence of illness. Make sure Sansa eats and drinks today. You may try offering her some palatable canned cat food with some extra water added. If she continues to be a lethargic or not eating or drinking for 24 hours, she should be seen by the veterinarian as dehydration can settle in quickly. I hope she starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It is possible this is secondary to the steroid injection, and if so, dependent on the type of steroid given, it could take several weeks for the drug to be eliminated from the body. This behavior may also be her way of saying she doesn't feel good. But if everything else is normal (eating normally, breathing normally, etc.) that is good. You can try to figure out if there any specific behaviors towards her that elicit the response. And unfortunately it is sometimes just the cat but this seems less likely given what you report. I would definitely contact your vet and let them know what you are seeing at home so you can find out what drug was given to know better the duration of effect. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It is very common for anal glands to be expressed this way. It's the recommended to get the most material out of the glands. It is uncomfortable at the moment, but shouldn't be afterwards. If she still seems uncomfortable tomorrow, call your veterinarian first thing in the morning.

There are different types of steroid shots. Long term use or high doses can affect their liver or kidneys. There has been studies that some forms can bring on a form of heart failure if already underlying with it. The do make asthma inhalers for cats that may be easier to give. If she is not eating I would have her rechecked to have blood work done and see what else is going on

You can use cortisine cream twice daily for a week as long as the skin around his anus is not raw/bleeding. I do recommend bringing Sampson back to your vet to have his anal glands expressed as cats usually do not drag their butts across the rug unless their anal glands are full/impacted. Anal gland issues happen more frequently in dogs than cats but can definitely occur in cats as well. After an anal gland expression, your vet can also prescribe a topical steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment such as Dermavet which would be much more effective than cortisone cream. An e-collar, fecal exam, probiotics, prescription intestinal diet, subcutaneous fluids for dehydration/possible pancreatitis and metronidazole may be indicated as well. Good luck!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Abby. Since I don't know more about this case and why a steroid shot was given, I would advise calling your veterinarian and letting them know what is going on. Steroids usually increase a pet's appetite but in Abby's case, it hasn't, at least not yet. Your vet will most likely want to see Abby for a recheck and reassess what is going on. There are many reasons for anorexia including fever, pain/discomfort, periodontal disease, internal organ disease, etc. Your vet may need to do a minimum database including fecal/blood/urine tests and imaging studies (x-rays/ultrasound). Once a cause is discovered a treatment plan can be put into place to address the anorexia. It is possible you may have to force feed Abby until she starts eating again. Your veterinarian should have some canned diets that can be fed by syringe. Good luck