“Doctor, my cat has a big, stinky problem! Every-once-in-awhile she will leave a small, really foul-smelling spot somewhere in the house. What is this and what can be done about it?”
This problem is more common to dogs than cats, but it is the same in both species. Animals have a gland on each side of the anus that secretes a smelly material thought to be used for marking territory as the animal defecates or rubs against the ground. Sometimes these glands spill their contents spontaneously resulting in a spot somewhere in their surroundings and a nauseating odor. Also, sometimes the glands become blocked this irritates the animal which tries to correct the problem by scooting across the floor.
Permanent correction of the problem demands surgical removal of the glands by a veterinarian. It takes a few days to a week for healing to occur and the dog or cat forever remains free of the problem.
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