Diseases and injuries of the tail in cats: fracture, seborrhea, cauda equina

Symptoms of cat diseases are described with the goal that a caring owner can promptly detect the onset of a serious disease, and if it is detected, immediately contact a professional veterinarian rather than self-medicate.

The tail plays an important role in a cat's life.

If the initial symptoms of an impending disease are identified in time, this will help prevent further development of the infection in your pet’s body, as well as avoid a situation where the consequences may be irreversible.

Tail disease in cats can occur for various reasons. These may be previously experienced injuries, such as bruises, wounds, fractures, dislocations or some other biomechanical damage. There are diseases that are quite difficult to determine: these are foreign tumors of various origins, osteomyelitis, eczema, vertebral caries or contractures and others. Any of these diseases requires specific treatment, which must be carried out either in a veterinary clinic or at home, but in strict accordance with the recipes and recommendations given by a professional veterinarian.

Timely treatment of the disease will avoid serious consequences

Causes

Disease on a pet's tail can occur for various reasons. Often these are: long-standing injuries, severe bruises, wounds, fractures or any other damage. Sometimes, but there are still diseases that are quite difficult to determine. These include: tumors, unknown neoplasms, eczema, osteomyelitis. Any of them requires high-quality qualified treatment in compliance with all requirements and recommendations of a veterinarian. Every loving owner should know why such diseases occur and how to deal with them.

Neoplasms

If you notice a lump, tumor or irregularity on your cat's tail, you should immediately consult a veterinarian. Neoplasms can be a place of accumulation of parasites, a purulent sac, and even skin cancer. No matter what disease the lump turns out to be after diagnosis, in any case, qualified and professional treatment is required.

Treatment options

Treatment for a cat with “greasy tail” will most likely be lengthy and not the most pleasant for both the owner and the animal itself. If your beloved Scotsie or other breed just doesn't want to bathe, he'll need to be bathed regularly using a shampoo like Lactaderma, which contains lactic acid.

It promotes good washing of fur and skin without drying it out, and also helps to gently exfoliate keratin accumulations. After such care, even the laziest cat’s fur will stop getting greasy and become beautiful and fluffy.

If the problem is caused by high hormonal levels, the doctor will recommend castration or other procedures. If the anal glands are to blame, they can be washed or emptied manually. If the disease recurs regularly, the veterinarian will train cat owners to do this at home. If the disease is chronic or severe, surgery to remove the glands may be recommended.

As a general tonic, the veterinarian can give recommendations on the use of special vitamins, as well as change the usual diet.

In the presence of acne, increased keratinization, and blackheads on the skin, special shampoos are used. From a large list of such products, we can name Dermilen and Meladerm. They are aimed at treating oily seborrhea and can prevent the spread of the disease, prevent the infection from “settling” and the development of chronic eczema.

Treatment of a cat's tail can be complex and lengthy, but it must be done, since without proper attention to the problem, irreparable changes can develop, in particular, the cat can be left with a hairless tail, like a rat's.

Seborrhea (dry and oily)

If your pet suddenly starts smelling like a dog, so much so that it becomes difficult to be in the same room with the cat, do not rush to accuse him of being unclean. It is possible that your pet suffers from seborrhea. This is a disease characterized by impaired sebum secretion. If too much of it is secreted, then seborrhea is, accordingly, called “oily.” With insufficient secretion of sebum, a dry type of the disease develops.

Veterinarians are still arguing about the causes of the disease , but to this day many cases must be considered idiopathic, since not a single study has helped to identify a single predisposing factor. In cats, the most common is the “fat” variety.

The clinical picture is quite characteristic . In addition to the unpleasant odor already mentioned above, numerous dandruff appears on the animal’s skin and fur (with the dry variety), or the cat’s tail resembles an unsightly icicle. In the latter case, this happens because the sebum released in incredible volumes simply sticks the hair together.

Please keep in mind that this disease, once it appears, is sure to recur later. As a rule, it takes a lifetime to treat.

The intervals between relapses (with proper feeding and good living conditions) can reach several months.

The main predisposing factors are:

Temperature changes, as well as keeping the cat in rooms with excessively dry air (which is typical for all apartments with central heating).
It is believed that one of the main reasons for the development of seborrhea in many cases is a variety of allergic reactions.
The same can be said about diseases of fungal etiology. Pathogenic fungi and yeast have a very bad effect on the condition of the skin.
“Raw” or “oily” seborrhea is a common consequence of severe hormonal disorders. In particular, it often appears with problems with the thyroid gland.
Obesity. Firstly, in cats it can also be a consequence of problems with the endocrine glands. Secondly, a “swollen” cat is simply physically unable to take proper care of itself, which makes it much easier for pathogenic fungi to invade its skin. In addition, in such cases, the animal may not have seborrhea, and greasy skin is only a sign of its extreme neglect.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If the body does not receive the proper amount of nutrients, micro- and macroelements, the likelihood of developing any diseases becomes many times higher.
Skin diseases of tick-borne etiology. As a rule, the activity of these parasites leads to the development of a dry type of the disease: mites, gnawing through the outer layers of the skin and actively developing in them, interfere with the normal functioning of the body.

Symptoms and treatment

The symptoms are quite specific, and therefore, as a rule, there are no particular difficulties in identifying the disease. First of all, it is the tail that is affected, which as a result either becomes covered with dandruff, or takes on the appearance of a “greasy icicle.” Abundant dandruff rashes can be found in places where the animal likes to rest; they also become heavily greasy in the case of the oily type of pathology.

Another characteristic sign is very specific, sharp and extremely unpleasant. Experienced owners or veterinarians are able to make a diagnosis as soon as they smell this “aroma.” Note that seborrhea itself does not produce any odor - it is a consequence of the activity of secondary microflora.

As for treatment, it is primarily aimed at eliminating the identified root cause of the disease. Idiopathic seborrhea is treated with special shampoos, which can be purchased at any large pet store. We would recommend consulting with your veterinarian first. It is better when the shampoo is selected by an experienced specialist.

The following products have proven themselves to be effective:

"Tea tree". It degreases the skin well and has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Additionally, any antiparasitic shampoo. It is used in cases where the disease is caused by the activity of fleas, ticks, or other ectoparasites.
Accordingly, when the disease is fungal in nature, shampoos with an antifungal effect are used.

Common diseases

Vertebral caries. The main cause of the disease is a lack of calcium, which occurs as a result of impaired metabolism. If you feel a cat's tail, you can feel formations on it; they resemble beads strung on a thread. If left untreated, the tail will completely lose its mobility, stop bending, and the pet will feel discomfort all the time.

Osteomyelitis is a disease that is caused by inflammatory processes in the bone marrow of the tail. This leads to serious injuries and infectious diseases. The most important symptoms are: lameness of the cat, pain when pressing the tail, lack of appetite. Sometimes, the presence of purulent ulcers may indicate that a sore has appeared.

Causes of cat tail health problems

The cat may develop a lump on its tail or the base of its tail may become bald. Such problems do not arise without reason. Among the most common causes are various injuries, bruises, and fractures.

An animal does not always show the pain it experiences when falling, hitting, or being injured. And therefore the owner may not notice the bruise of the tail. And in the future, even a small injury causes the appearance of a tumor, for example.
Tail disease may be associated with a lack of calcium, which indicates a poorly balanced diet and metabolic disorders.
Hair loss in cats around the tail area sometimes occurs due to skin infection. Getting a dangerous infection on the skin and into the body can be the most unpredictable; even a person can bring the pathogen into the house on his shoes.
In the cat's body, the glands that produce fat are disrupted. Because of this, the tail also often peels off - bald spots appear, and there may be oily hair. If the functioning of the glands is disrupted, another phenomenon can be noted - a brown coating under the fur. Over time, the skin becomes wet under this coating and inflammation begins.

If the cat's tail is fat, treatment should be comprehensive. It will be prescribed by an experienced veterinarian, and the owner only needs to follow all the recommendations.

Symptoms of the disease

It is believed that cats are more susceptible to this disease than others, but it can also occur in cats. Moreover, some breeds are more at risk than others of developing such an unpleasant and difficult-to-treat disease. For example, the Scottish Fold cat is often noted to have a hard tail, while according to breed standards its mobility is especially valued. With such a disorder, a “greasy tail” may also occur.

But the Persian cat is more susceptible to acne, which causes her not just discomfort, but can cause a serious illness. In addition, representatives of any breed, and even outbred cats, can have a fat tail.

In short-haired or “hairless” breeds, it is much easier to detect such a defect, but it is much more difficult to detect it in an animal with a luxurious, bushy tail. Most often, it is discovered by chance, when the process has already started and done its dirty deed.

Greasy tail syndrome is accompanied by the following symptoms:

The fur at the base of the tail becomes very greasy, covered with thick secretions, which are very difficult or impossible to wash off using simple methods, at least from the first approach.
On the skin at the base of the hairs you can see tubercles, which can be inflamed, covered with rough scales, and a purulent crust.
When the disease is advanced, a whole scattering of inflamed pimples or scars from scratching may be found on the skin.
When the fur suffers from greasy hair, it can break off at the base, leaving the affected area exposed or looking as if the hair has been clipped or pulled out.
When the anal glands are inflamed, the animal tries to get rid of their excess contents by crawling with its backside on the floor, and sometimes on the carpet.
With acne, a greasy yellowish spot first appears on a cat's fur, then a “black dot”, and in the absence of care and treatment, a hard crust forms, under which there may be an inflamed or abscessing acne.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a serious skin condition that is not easy to get rid of. Ringworm is transmitted quickly, spreading to the cat's head, spine and paws. A person can easily become infected with it because the disease is fungal in nature.

At first, it’s easy to get rid of it; the main thing is to notice and diagnose the disease in time. The fungus should not have time to spread to the main area of the skin. As it spreads, the cat's discomfort and discomfort may increase.

Fungal diseases are usually caused by a moldy dermatophyte fungus. Given the type of bacteria, microscopy progress manifests itself in different ways. The symptoms and course of the disease are the same.

Ringworm is dangerous to cats and people. Birds and dogs cannot become infected with it. If a cat develops a disease, all family members need to take preventive measures. Ringworm is treated with ointments prescribed by your doctor.

Tail hair loss

The following symptoms symbolize this problem::

the presence of bald spots;
on the upper part of the tail, at its base, the hair has become greasy, greasy and constantly rolls down;
Under the fur you can find a discharge that is oily and brown in color.

The cause of tail baldness may be a disruption in the functioning and functionality of the glands that produce fat. If fat production is disrupted, then the above changes occur, the skin balance is disrupted and the pet suffers.

Taking care of our pets

Every cat owner should have a clear idea of what diseases he may encounter in his animal. Veterinarians often advise washing cats' anal openings with soap and water. This procedure has a stimulating effect on the anal glands, helping them to cleanse themselves. We also appeal to attentive owners who take their pet for examination at an animal care center - remind the veterinarian about a routine examination of the secretion sacs.

Since the animal experiences pain and shows aggression when performing manual manipulations to remove secretions, it is recommended to contact a specialist. At the Ya-Vet help center, experienced doctors will show you professional, fast help at low prices for your pet. We show love to animals by keeping them healthy!

Dog owners are well aware of possible problems with the anal glands. These are the characteristics of the canine family. However, there is a lot of information about cats. Inflammation of the paraanal glands in cats is not such a common occurrence, since canines and cats are anatomically and physiologically different, although both are human pets.

Acne

Acne can appear due to improper care of your pet, severe stress and emotional distress.
Acne can develop into pustules and ulcers, which cause severe pain for your pet and sometimes lead to inflammation. A complication of acne is folliculitis. It is a swelling around the hair, usually with liquid contents. When touched, the pet experiences pain.

Self-medication and squeezing pimples are not recommended. You can treat rashes with tar soap or shampoo.

Ulcers

More often, ulcers occur in short-haired four-legged friends. They can appear along the entire length of the tail, often affecting the root, and this can cause necrosis of the tissues and vertebrae of the tail.

An ulcer on the tail requires serious treatment and attention from the owner. If a crust has formed on it, then it must be removed from there and the wound must be cleaned of suppuration. Be sure to treat everything with an antiseptic for cats. Also, it is worth treating it with ointment (Vishnevsky, streptomycin) and applying a bandage.

In advanced cases, the cat may develop gangrene, blood poisoning and serious consequences.

Lice and fleas

Lice and fleas are small insects that feed on blood and the top layer of skin. If the case is advanced, it is impossible not to notice them on the pet. Favorite localization is around the tail and head.

At an early stage, an accumulation of a black substance, a waste product of fleas, is noticeable. Also, the pet experiences itching, hair loss, redness of the skin, and the formation of wounds.

Lice are eliminated using a special shampoo. Fleas are removed by treating things with which the pet comes into contact with anti-flea agents, carriers, bedding, and all carpets in the house.

Fractures and other injuries

Tail injuries are the most common disease. The most common problems with the tails of cats are injuries, namely dislocations and fractures, etc. Fractures can be closed or with open wounds. In the place where the tail is broken, broken or bruised, in most cases a tumor forms, in the place of which the animal experiences pain when touched. If it happens that you find an open wound, then be sure to go to the veterinarian, not forgetting to first treat the wound with any antiseptic, for example, hydrogen peroxide. This will help avoid infection. If the tail is severely bruised, or you suspect a closed fracture, an ice compress should be applied to the injured area, which can be done using a heating pad or a regular cloth. Ice will relieve pain and reduce swelling. At the veterinary clinic, you will definitely be asked to take an x-ray of your pet’s tail, and based on the image obtained, he will be given the necessary assistance and further treatment will be prescribed.

There are pussies that cannot be scared by tail diseases.
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Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a local inflammation of the skin area. Symptoms: redness, peeling, sore formation, hyperemia. Localization - paws, ears, place near the genitals.

There are many types of dermatitis:

Parasitic. Formed due to improper hair care and lack of preventive treatments every year. Appears sporadically.
Miliary. Raising bumps appear on the skin, development occurs against the background of other diseases.
Traumatic. Bacteria enter the wound, it rots, and follicles develop.
Contact (allergic). Appears due to exposure to an allergen on the skin.
Medication. Causes: incorrectly selected therapy, large dose of medications.
Burn.

If dermatitis is not treated promptly, the cat's immunity can be seriously affected. In its advanced form, the disease is difficult to cure. The therapy is complex - first the symptoms (swelling and itching) are eliminated, then secondary infection is prevented with the help of antibiotics.

Common medications for all types of dermatitis are itch relievers. This could be “Stop Itching” ointment, ointment with aluminum in “Alusprey”. Allergic dermatitis involves treatment with antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine and Suprastin.

Drugs used

To successfully treat an animal, the use of any one remedy is not enough. Therapy must be comprehensive. Medicines should be used both internally, to suppress microflora, and locally.

Ointments

Ointments and liniments have a fatty base, which contributes to:

rapid absorption of the active principle;
preventing drying out of serous and mucous membranes;
softening of tissues, as well as dried “crusts” and their rejection.

If there are no wounds or tears, there is no point in using ointments. Some substances can be absorbed through the skin, but no strong effect is felt.

If there is an abscess or purulent cavity, then applying ointments will help relieve inflammation, but at the same time it is necessary to remove the purulent masses and excise the pockets so that the contents do not linger.

The inconvenience of using ointments for the sub-tail area is that the cat sits down and wipes the ointment on the floor and bedding.

It’s a completely different matter when the drug “Olazol” is used. When shaking the bottle, a foamy mass forms. Through the nozzle it can be easily inserted into the lumen of the rectum. By doing this regularly, you can quickly create the necessary concentration of the active principle in the tissues and relieve inflammation. The base is chloramphenicol and sea buckthorn oil. The drug is effective for paraproctitis and the cat recovers quickly.

The following can be used as ointments:

levomekol;
levosin;
chloramphenicol - gel;
syntomycin liniment;
gentamicin ointment.

The ointment should be applied at intervals of 1-2 hours into the wound cavity. If there is no wound, then apply the ointment alone to a cotton swab and insert it into the cat’s rectal cavity. You should change your tampon 2 times a day.

Antibiotics

A course of antibiotics is necessary to suppress the infection and lasts 5-7 days, depending on the severity of the process.

The most effective drugs are:

cephalexin. If the drug is in capsules, then the gelatin base contains a powder that is very easy to dose. For an average cat, you can take 1/10 of it, mix it with minced meat and apply it to the root of the tongue. The tablet form is turned into powder or 1/10 of the tablet is broken off and served to the cat. The drug is well absorbed and retained in soft tissues and acts against many microorganisms. The drug is administered 2 times a day in a mixture with food;
ciprafloxacin. The group of fluoroquinolones to which the drug belongs is able to quickly cope with the onset of infection and relieve inflammation from soft tissues. The drug is in tablet form. For a cat, the tablet is divided into 10 parts and placed in the mouth in one part in the morning and in the evening.

Rectal suppositories

The described pathology is localized in the rectum and the use of rectal suppositories is advisable.

The following drugs may be most effective:

“Ichthyols”, based on ichthyol;
“Propolis” containing propolis;
"Proctosedil", with antibiotics and hydrocartisone
"Olesthesin" with sulfonamides and sea buckthorn oil.

Suppositories are administered 2 times a day after bowel movements.

Treatment of diseases that cause baldness

Bald areas of the tail are not only an aesthetic issue. Usually this phenomenon is caused by disruption of the internal glands. Most often, the disease goes away on its own, but bald patches greatly worsen the appearance of the animal. The veterinarian will help you choose a drug option that will speed up recovery.

But in some cases, a shabby tail becomes a big problem, since the exposed skin becomes very irritated and inflamed. Bacteria actively develop on bald spots. And over time, the cat begins to experience severe discomfort and scratches its inflamed skin.

How to help an animal? The main principle of treatment is the removal of excess fat from the skin and fur, as well as antibacterial treatment of the affected area . If you carry out all the measures prescribed by your doctor correctly, over time you can reduce the problem to a minimum. You definitely need to find out why excess fat and bald spots appeared.

During the treatment period, you need to use cat shampoos that contain oatmeal and natural salicylic acid. A good effect is achieved by wiping the bald area with a swab lightly moistened with alcohol. Alcohol should be used carefully, as it can only worsen the condition of the skin .

INTERESTING! If your cat doesn't like bathing, you can sprinkle cornstarch on oily and bald areas. The procedure is carried out once a day, not more often.

Prevention

Sterilization helps to avoid problems with the greasy tail by ensuring a calm hormonal balance. But it is worth noting that many uncastrated cats never encounter such a dermatological problem.
A balanced diet and timely consultation with a specialist at the first signs of the disease will help prevent hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands. Preventing obesity throughout a pet’s life and caring for its fur is something any owner can do.

Bedsores

The disease is often observed in cats in old age or after suffering an injury. Bedsores are areas on the skin that rot and die over time. If the pet is in a lying position for a long time, the disease may manifest itself.

Symptoms: pain when touched, decreased temperature of the dying area, ulcers, color change. It is worth taking preventive measures - periodically turning the cat over after operations, prohibiting sitting on the damaged paw for a long time. Therapy consists of treating wounds, dressings, and removing dead tissue.

Each disease can progress, which leads to the process of virus reproduction. Because of this, the pet suffers, he has problems with sleep and appetite, he becomes less sociable and cheerful.

If your cat develops irritation in the area of its face or body, you should take it to a specialist immediately. Not all cat diseases are not contagious to humans.

Some viruses and fungi can adapt to the organism that is nearby. It is highly likely that if the pet is left untreated, the owner’s immune system may weaken and spots may appear on the body.