Are her anal glands infected, impacted? If so, you could give her antibiotics.
You can also learn how to empty and clean her anal glands yourself more often.
A groomer can do it also, cheaper than a vet and you can do it more often.

Frequent expression causes irritation -- which causes inflammation -- which
perpetuates the problem.

The vet is saying that we may wish to consider

Does your vet just simply drain the sacs or does he flush the sacs with an
antiseptic solution then fill the sacs with a antibiotic ointment?  Our vets
instill an ophthalmic antibiotic ointment into the sacs with a lacrimal
needle - works like a charm with very few recurrences.  Impacted sacs tend
to become infected and inflamed -- the infection can then lead to
abscessation.  So its very important to treat the infection - otherwise the
cycle will continue and eventually end with surgery - which could have
probably been avoided.

Performed properly, few cats have any complications or recurrence after
healing. The outcome depends on the surgical skill of the vet.

Is there anything

Sometimes a drain can be installed or the sacs can be cauterized.

If your cat produces soft stools, a diet change may help.  Cats naturally
express their anal sacs when they poop providing their stools are hard
enough (normal).

We've handled many cats with anal sac disease and only a very, very few
required surgery.  If I were you, I'd seek a second opinion before going
ahead with surgery.  There's probably a good chance surgery can be avoided
with proper treatment.

Good luck,

Phil

YES, there is a risk, as with any surgery. Possible side effects include
permanent damage to the nerve there which would make the cat incontinent
for the rest of his life. The risk is minimal with a good vet, but no
surgery is 100% safe.

If his glands simply get clogged, not impacted, you can have the vet
teach you how to drain them. You do need to do it right so you don't
hurt him, but doing this procedure as a matter of course once a month or
so would prevent the need for surgery if the glands do not get impacted
or abscessed.
BTW, many groomers will do the procedure for $5-10. If your cat hates
the vet and is too difficult for you to handle to drain the glands, a
groomer is an option.

Hi Dennis,

I have a co-worker who had his dog's anal sacs removed, due to
constant drainage (vet recommended surgery). Just FYI - your cat may
have problems controlling his bowels for a few days after surgery
while he regains muscle control and the area heals. The dog's surgery
was a success, BTW. :) Good luck!!

K