What caused the deep hole on my cat's hindquarter? Is it serious?

It sounds like Bella may have a cat bite wound on or near her tail. These wounds tend to get infected and develop an abscess, so you will need to monitor this and as soon as you notice a swelling or pain , you will need to take her to a veterinarian for an exam and antibiotic medication. Since the big hole shows internal structures it would be better to see a veterinarian now.

Ouch, poor Darkness! This is a good size hole, and that white thing inside could be a cuterebra or it could be part of her internal body such as bone if this is around her ribs. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. I can say this looks bad enough that it likely needs stitches, and she has to see a vet. A vet can also diagnose what the white thing is definitively. Please take her into a vet now. Best of luck.

That looks like a bad bite and needs to be seen by a vet right away. Cats that go outside are more likely to get into fights with other cats, and these wounds can easily become infected. Your vet can clean and drain the wound, and provide antibiotics, pain meds and other treatments as needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on this picture, it looks like it could be a growth. There is a possibility that this skin defect can be closed but that depends on an examination and if it makes sense clinically. This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chilly. If you can submit a picture that would be helpful. If she has a small open circular open wound, it can be a breathing hole for a fly larva known as a cuterebra. In this case, you can see the larva moving in and out of the breathing hole. If this is the case, she will need to see her veterinarian for removal. If not, she could have a wound from trauma such as a bite if she is around other animals. She will need to see her veterinarian to determine the cause and if treatment is needed. In the meantime, do not allow her to lick the area as this can lead to infection. I hope this information helps!

Bob could have injured himself in the house or outside if he's allowed outdoors. I can't say for certain without seeing him in person. Based on the picture, I think it could use a stitch to close it, so that's why I recommend taking him into a vet now.

Hi, and thanks for your question. Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!