My outdoor cat has a tail wound. Does it need vet care or surgery?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on January 21st, 2020

  The wounds do appear to be healing. If they are cat bites though, it is possible abscesses could be forming under the skin. Ideally, he should be seen by your veterinarian for antibiotics and pain medications if indicated. If this is not possible, place an e-collar (cone) on him and continue topical treatment. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, swelling or discharge.

  

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• Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 14th, 2018

  This does look like and old cat bite abscess. I cannot really see whether the area is swollen. If so then it may be a good idea to take him to a vet to have it lanced. If it is not swollen, and just crusted over, then I think you can just leave it alone and observe it. If it appears to be a growth (cannot really see it) and expanding in size, it should be examined by a vet. Overall, I think you can just monitor it and should it start to bother the cat or turn red/swell/expand in size, take him to a vet.

  

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• Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on November 12th, 2017

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a small wound. It could be something like a penetrating wound such as a bite or even the drainage point of an abscess. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If it looks infected, they may start him on antibiotics. Good luck and have a good day!

  

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• Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on May 1st, 2019

  It could be. It looks like a pretty nasty and deep wound. I would recommend that you have Coop examined by a vet to determine if it needs to be closed surgically and to start antibiotics and pain medications.

  

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