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Tail injuries are commonly seen in cats of all ages. Often cats with an outdoor lifestyle are more prone to injuries and trauma, but we do see these in indoor cats as well. These injuries include bites or fighting wounds, removal or degloving of the tail tip or tail pull injuries. Some cats may also be born with tail abnormalities such as kinks or shortened tails. Manx or Bobtail cats are bred to have shortened or no tails. Most cats that are born with these changes do not require any intervention.

Any injury to your cat should be assessed by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Cats are very secretive about injuries and wounds. You many notice them grooming their tails excessively, hiding, not as interested in food, or being very sensitive about this area being touched, even if you cannot see an injury or wound. If you notice any of these signs you should have your cat assessed as soon as possible.

Bites and Fighting Wounds

Cat bite wounds are most often sustained during territorial fighting between cats. They can result in deep but small punctures that quickly heal on the surface leaving bacteria trapped underneath the skin. This bacteria infects underlying tissues which often causes a localised area of pus and dead tissue which is called an abscess. Abscesses can appear as a painful lump or they may burst through the skin and drain pus. These wounds require assessment by a veterinarian, and sometimes even surgery to manage.

Degloving Injuries

Degloving injuries occur when the skin is pulled off the underlying tissue. This can happen easily to tails at the tip when trapped between a door, fence or when pulled by another animal. These wounds are painful and at risk for infection as the underlying tendons, muscles and bone is exposed. Careful and urgent assessment by a veterinarian is required.

Unfortunately these cases require surgical repair with amputation or removal of the exposed tissues. Once the skin has been removed in the injury, there is not enough extra skin to be stretched over the area, and often the underlying tissue is damaged from the trauma. Depending on the severity of the degloving injury will determine how much of the tail can remain post-operatively.

Tail Pull Injuries

Tail pull injury refers to injury where the tail has been pulled suddenly and thus damage have been caused to the nerves in the tail. This can be associated with the above conditions depending on their severity. It can also occur secondary to tails being trapped under foot or under a car when the cat tries to run away. These do not require any external damage to the tail to occur as the pulling and stretching of the nerves is what does the damage. In most of these cases, cats will be evaluated for other injuries, as tail pulls are not commonly a solo injury in cats.

Nerves are unlike other types in tissue and are less easily repaired. In the case of tail pull, how much of the tail is affected is often in indication in how much normal function will be restored. In cases with damage to the bones of the tail or spine, radiographs or CT scans may be required to assess the extent to damage and help give some prognosis for the tail function. Return of function may be slow, and take up to several months before full function can be resumed. In extreme cases, if the tail never recovers function, amputation may be recommended to prevent further damage or complications.

Surgery

Depending on the injury as discussed above, surgery may be required. Abscess surgery will require removal of the dead and infected tissues. In large abscesses drains may be required to help the wound heal.

Amputation surgery, if required will involve the removal of the damaged portion of the tail including the skin and some segments of the bones within the tail. We never cut the bones (vertebrae) as this results in increased pain and poorer healing, instead we cut through the space between the vertebrae. Thus the remaining tail often will be shorter than may be expected.

High amputation is reserved for cases of non-healing tail pulls or where the entire tail has been damaged. These cases involve removal of the tail at the level of the sacrum are often undertaken by specialists as the risks of damage to the spinal nerves and nearby larger vessels is much higher. Having a skilled team for these cases is thus preferred.

Post-operative Care

Cats can vary in their reaction to anaesthesia, some will be bright and alert only hours post-surgery, whilst others may take 2-3 days before they are completely back to normal. Keep your cat quiet, indoors and monitored for 7-10 days after surgery to help prevent complications. If your cat shows any interest in the stitched wound it is wise to put an Elizabethan collar/bucket on the head to stop self-trauma. Observe the suture line daily and contact your vet if it becomes excessively swollen or inflamed.

All patients with injuries will likely require some pain relief after veterinary assessment. The type and course of medication will depend greatly on the individual cat. Most cats that have had an abscess surgery will also be sent home with a course of antibiotics. Drains are normally removed after 3-4 days and sutures are removed after 14 days.

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