When a cat sustains an injury to its tail, it will need to be brought to an Animal Hospital in Millersville right away for an assessment. Tail injuries occur from being caught in an animal trap, having someone close a door on the tail, having something heavy fall upon it, or unfortunately, having someone pull it too hard. It is an injury that needs immediate attention as it can be life threatening if there is damage to the bowels.
When someone notices their cat is unable to hold their tail upright, they will need to take a closer look to see if it appears to be broken. If the tail hangs straight down and does not kink or twist in any way, it is most likely broken. The pet owner can try to touch the tail gently to see how the cat reacts. If the cat cries out, hisses or growls, there is a good chance the tail is broken.
A veterinarian will be able to take a look at the tail and conduct tests to see if the cat has feeling in their bowel area. If they are unable to have a bowel movement on their own, they will need to be manually stimulated by the veterinarian. In many cases, if this happens, the veterinarian will recommend the cat is euthanized because it will not be able to survive without being able to go to the bathroom on its own. If the cat did not sustain injury to the bowels as a result of the broken tail, the veterinarian may amputate a portion of the tail, so it is not hanging down in the way. If the break is located closer to the tip of the tail, a splint can be put on the tail to help heal it or it may be amputated at the break.
If someone needs to bring their cat to an Animal Hospital in Millersville, they can find a reputable service in the area. They can bring their cat to Gambrills Veterinary Center or a similar practice to have a veterinarian evaluate the cat’s situation and help with the healing process.