Expert: Jessica - 8/27/2010

Question
QUESTION: I recently trapped a feral cat, had her spayed, and returned her to the colony.  
She was fine when I released her, then showed up a couple of weeks later with
a limp tail.  I noticed the last couple of days, she has been licking the entire
tail.  The tail injury doesn't seem to have affected her hind legs.  She is able to
walk and run with no apparent difficulty. Since this is a feral cat, it's difficult
to observe her to determine if she is having any bowel or bladder problems,
which I understand can sometimes be associated with a tail injury.  Is it
possible the tail could heal on its own?  How critical is it to have the cat
examined by a vet?  I would like to take her to a vet, but she was difficult to
trap, so I don't know if I would be able to catch her again.  Any advice you
can provide would be greatly appreciated.


ANSWER: Hi Michele,

It's always desirable to have a broken tail addressed by a vet, of course.  I don't know if you notice a kink anywhere in the tail where it is obvious that the tail is broken, or if the tail is just limp.  A broken tail is of the most concern when it causes bladder and bowel problems, as you mentioned, because if the cat isn't able to urinate or defecate, it causes a slow death.  Most broken tails that happen a couple inches up the length of the tail won't affect bladder or bowel function.  That usually occurs when the tail is broken near the tail head (where the tail meets the functional spine).  If you can see a kink that seems to be away from the rump, it probably indicates a dislocated vertebra and would be desirable to reset it.  But it probably wouldn't affect her very much healthwise, and the tail will generally heal if left alone, although it will be disfigured.

If you can't see any kink but the tail is limp (sometimes called "dead tail"), the fracture could be anywhere, or there may not be a fracture at all.  Nerve damage can occur from any injury, even without an actual break.  Most of the time, it's not possible to treat a tail fracture when there is no dislocation.  Instead, the treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation (and so would it be if no fracture was detected, just some other type of injury leading to dead tail).  Sometimes reducing the inflammation surrounding the nerves can result in improved nerve function, and the cat regains use of its tail.  Other times, the tail remains permanently limp.  In a feral cat, the vet would most likely use an injectable steroid and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and possibly a shot of Convenia to ward off any infection.  A shot of B-12 can also be beneficial in some cases.

The term "dead tail" is a little misleading because in these cases, the tail is not actually dead.  There is still blood flow and healthy cell production, just no nerve sensation.  But there are cases where nerve death can actually lead to the death of the surrounding tissue.  The tail will actually die.  You'll notice the fur becoming matted as lymph and pus exit the skin.  In this case, and in cases where the tail doesn't die but is long enough to drag on the ground and become ulcerated and infected, it is very important to have the tail amputated right away.  Otherwise, infection is likely to enter the bloodstream and kill the kitty.

Thanks for taking good care of this kitty.  I know it's not easy work!

Best wishes!

Jessica



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jessica,

I was able to get a closer look at the cat today and saw what looks like an
abcess about two inches from the tail head.  I also noticed that the cat is
dribbling urine and she was licking her anus.  Is that an indication that she is
constipated or has lost control of her bowels?  I tried to trap her, but was
unsuccessful.  I will keep trying to trap her so that I can get her to a vet, but if
I'm not able to trap her, what's the prognosis in a situation like this where the
cat is incontinent because of the tail injury?

Thanks for your guidance,
Michele

Answer
Licking the anal area could be an indication that she's cleaning herself in response to the urinary incontinence, or it could indicate that she's either fecal incontinent or is suffering bowel paralysis.  That is a difficult call to make and would really require a physical exam.  The vet would need to poke her around the anal area to check for anal tension.  If there are reflexes in response to being touched, this would seem to indicate that she still has at least some control over her bowels and usually her bladder.  

In an indoor situation, the prognosis for survival of incontinent cats, should the owner be willing to work with the kitty, would be good.  In some cases, cats regain control over their bladder and bowels over the course of a few weeks as nerve function improves, and there are even medications that may help.  The cat's skin needs to be kept clean and dry, and sometimes shaving the fur is the best way to do this.  

However, in an outdoor situation, there are many complications that can arise.  The skin tends to become painfully ulcerated from constant contact with feces and urine.  Not only has this caused some of the most awful contact burns I've seen, but it then leaves the skin open to bacterial and parasitic infection.  During the spring and summer months especially, flies are known to lay eggs in the broken skin or soiled fur, or cats come in contact with them laying on the soil.  The maggots that hatch eat away at the infected tissue, but they can also go further and eat the healthy flesh.  This is called myiasis, and it can kill the cat.

The abscess is an equally disconcerting situation right now, because bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause septicemia.  I would call the vet who spayed her and explain the situation to the vet.  Since you're unable to trap her right away, they may be willing to prescribe an antibiotic that you can mix into her food while you continue to try to trap her.  At least this way, you can treat the infectious part of the problem.  

Once you trap the cat and have her examined by a vet, you can make a decision about her long-term care.  It would be best, in my opinion, if you could set her up in a dog crate in a dim area of a basement, garage or quiet area of the house for a couple of weeks to see if her incontinence improves before making a final decision.  But I understand not everyone has the physical or emotional capability to do this.

I hope all turns out well!

Jessica