My cat's tail is dead and cracked. What if I don't amputate?

Your cat may have had an injury to the tail that cut off the blood supply and that piece died. Your cat should be checked by your vet to see if there is any repair or further damage that should be addressed.

There is a wound on the tail tip and the tail itself (bone muscles and skin) is necrotic and slowly falling. I would recommend an immediate check up as wound curettage and antibiotic treatment are needed as soon as possible.

Ouch! Without seeing the x-rays, it's difficult to provide a terribly accurate opinion regarding Luna's tail. In general, if there is a small fracture near the tip of the tail, these can heal quite well without any lasting problems. However, if there is a fracture closer to the tail base, these can cause more problems when healing (i.e. holding the tail up while using the litter box) and be more painful. Tail amputations do not cause any significant stress beyond the stress caused by any surgical procedure. Most cats recover uneventfully after 10-14 days with the help of some pain medication. To my knowledge, there is not emotional distress caused by tail amputations because cats do not experience the social pressures that people will feel. In most cases of tail fractures, I lean towards amputation. I hope this helps you to confirm your decision!

The spreading would depend on the severity of the infection, its type and the antibiotics you have available there. Some infection stay there localized. Tail injuries are quite tricky I have to admit. Not easy to medicate them and often amputation is required. You can try with broad spectrum antibiotics and bandage on tail (with swabs and thick tape; let your vet do it). If not working and healing fine amputation will be required unfortunately.

I'm so sorry this happened to Gibson. Unfortunately, she likely needs just the last portion of her tail amputated, especially if it is broken. I do not think euthanasia is indicated and many veterinarians are capable of doing a tail amputation. I see there are 3 local vets in your area. I would recommend finding one you trust and making an appointment ASAP. She needs pain medication, appropriate antibiotics, and surgical treatment. Luckily it's not a major procedure and she likely could come home right after.

Unfortunately it seems as her tail is limp, which means there is likely to be a fracture of the tail. this is not something that can be repaired, the only medical solution for this condition is tail amputation which will need to be done at some point.

You should have a vet take a look at his tail to determine the best way to treat. It may need to be amputated and your vet can make that decision after an examination. He will also need an antibiotic and pain medications to help treat.