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 focused neurological examination is required to grade the severity of the injury. In this study on a case series of 8 cats with "Tail Pulling Injuries", it was aimed to discuss the clinical results and provide information to practice. 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 fracture, tail wound 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. Of the 8 cats in the study, 7 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, if there is a gap due to a fracture or luxation in the tail, amputation will be inevitable.