Anal sac abscesses are not particularly common in cats. They are though painful and there are some causes that mean a vet check is always a good idea.

Tracey asks: “My 4 year old male cat seems to have a burst abscess anal gland on the right side his anus. He seems okay. He has been licking it and hasn’t been sick in any way. He is very active and it seems to be healing now and closing up.”

• Not a common cat problem - anal gland abscesses normally develop after the anal sacs fail to empty as normal, become impacted, infected and then burst out into the surrounding tissue
• Causes of anal glands failing to empty properly include: Soft stools, Inflammation of the surrounding tissue, Anatomical issues, Masses in or beside the anal glands
• Anal gland abscesses are typically very painful and require treatment: Antibiotics, Pain killers, Expression/flushing which may need sedation
• An urgent visit isn't needed but, given anal gland problems are not a common issue in cats, it will be worth getting them checked and emptied to make sure there is no sign of a mass or other problem.
• Straight after an AG abscess, I often find that the anal glands fill up quicker than normal and will often recommend a re-examination 2-4 weeks later to make sure there is no recurrence

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