Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 8/31/2008

Question
My kitten- 1 year old- came in from being outside most of the day with an injury on her tail.  At the very tip of it, the hide looks as if it has been caught in something and torn back.  It was not torn off so there is hide just sorta hanging there.  It is not torn enough that it will fall off itself, but it is not closed enough that it will heal properly- I don't think.  She is in some pain as she whips her tail about when she sits to eat.  She will not let me get a good look at it and simply pulls it away very quickly.  
Should I try to wash it out and bandage it ( i think she will tear the bandage off), or just leave it be?

hw

Answer
Heidi -

Have your kitten treated by a veterinarian.  She must be painful and will try to chew on the tail which can cause further damage.  A doctor can treat the tail and properly bandage the tail so that it can heal.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM