Assessment on the “Tail Pull Injuries”: Case Series of 8 Cats

Abstract

Tail-pulling injuries in cats often occur with trauma or pinching of the tail. This condition often causes damage to the nerves that supply the tail, bladder, perineum, and anus. An accurate and good neurological examination is necessary to grade the severity of the injury. The aim of this study in a case series of 8 cats with "Tail Pulling Injuries" was to discuss the clinical results and to provide practical information. Medical records of cats with tail-pulling injuries, loss of voluntary movement of the tail, and loss of pain perception were reviewed retrospectively. Among the cats with tail pull injuries, those with open tail fractures, tail wounds requiring amputation, and spinal trauma were excluded from the study. According to neurological examination findings and tail condition, medical treatment and tail amputation were performed if necessary. Seven of the eight cats in the study had fully recovered by the end of the second week. As a result, in the case of tail pull injuries in cats, if there is no fracture or luxation-related gap, amputation should not be considered immediately. It can be supported by an effective medical treatment. In addition, amputation will be inevitable if there is a gap due to a fracture or luxation in the tail.