Kitty tail problem!?!?

[MANative]

OK, to make a long story short, through a totally stupid act on my part, I accidently closed a door on my darling Sisko's tail, about two inches from the tip. He let out one yelp, then ran to hide under my bed. He's back out now, and hasn't been crying or whining, and he did let me VERY gently touch his tail, but it doesn't look quite "right" to me.

Anyone have any experience with this kind of problem? Should I take him to the vet?

[IndyOp]

1. It could be dislocated or broken -

A visit to the vet would let you know for sure.

If it is dislocated, the vet might be able to snap it back into place, if it is broken I think they usually leave it alone -- kind of like a person with simple fracture of a toe bone.

If a cat's tail is really bad-off then the vet might amputate, but you describe it as looking not "quite right" which doesn't sound really bad to me.

If your cat allowed you to touch the tail gently without showing any pain, I think you can safely wait until tomorrow to see the vet. I don't think you have an emergency on your hands.

You are a good pet person to be concerned. Please don't feel too guilty about the accident -- we all watch out for our four-leggeds, but they do like to be underfoot and sometimes ouchies happen.

:-)

[MANative]

2. Thanks for your kind words and advice- he's sleeping now all

curled up with his sister, and his tail is curled up under him. I would think that if it was really bothering him, he wouldn't "tuck" it under. I'll keep an eye on him through this evening and take him in tomorrow if it doesn't seem as perky as usual. ;)

He's so darned fast - slipped right by me. And though I know in my head it was an accident, it breaks my heart to think that I might have hurt him. :cry:

[IndyOp]

3. I understand...

My cat Eli used to love to *race* through the apartment -- leaping up onto the couch and running the length, leaping to the next chair, on into the bedroom, over the bed, the dresser, and then race toward the kitchen - round the corner, jump onto the lid of the kitchen trashcan, and onto the counter!

And then came the day I had the lid off of the kitchen trashcan -- because I was in the midst of taking out the trash -- and this time when he rounded the corner and jumped, his back feet dropped into the can and his mouth hit the sharp edge of the kitchen counter. He chipped a tooth and had a bloody lip and hid for the rest of the day -- it must've hurt a whole lot.

I have never felt sooooooo guilty... :-(

[MANative]

4. Poor little Eli - Ouch! Sounds so familiar...

Our house is a very long ranch - over 100' from end to end. And he dashes from one end to the other (usually chasing his sister)- from the family room through the kitchen and down the hall to the bedrooms. The hall is polished slate and if the door to the bedroom is closed at the end of the hall..... Well let's just say he has had to learn to skid.

Checked on him a few minutes ago, and gently stroked his tail. He didn't really complain, but it was clearly a little tender. I'm guessing it might be dislocated slightly. Bummer.

[okasha]

5. Could be just bruised.

But your vet will be able to tell you for sure.

[MANative]

6. Gently felt the length of his tail...

and there's a "bump" about where I think it got caught. I'm thinking it's at least dislocated. He was very clingy last night - wouldn't leave my side for a minute, so I know he's not feeling his best. Will be taking him in this morning to get it checked. :-(

[MANative]

7. Took Sisko to the vet and looks like he'll keep his tail for

now. Says it's definitely a dislocation, but what determines whether it needs to be removed is nerve damage (or lack of) which won't be apparent until all swelling goes down. Dr said that it would take about 2 weeks to know for sure.

Waiting game for very upset mommy...

Thanks for your advice, folks. :hi: