My old pet has tail gangrene. Are there alternatives to amputation?

Thanks for reaching out about Dina. The treatment depends on the cause, although systemic antibiotics are more likely to have a positive outcome, rather than topically cleaning the wound. Tail necrosis can also be caused by non-infectious causes including metabolic disorders (liver, kidney), inappropriate husbandry, cardiac disease, trauma, and others. If the necrosis is progressing quickly, a tail amputation above the affected area could help slow/stop the progression. Good luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can try the antibiotics first. Usually a long course is needed when it is involving bone meaning having to give antibiotics for 4-8 weeks sometimes. If you would prefer to use medical therapy first, I would recommend they culture the wound so that they know which antibiotic would be best to use to treat this and use oral antibiotics instead of Convenia. Also, pain control medications are indicated to treat the pain. If no improvement is seen in that time frame, the toe amputation may be needed. You can use an e-collar to try to prevent licking which may delay healing. Good luck and have a great day!

Amputation is strongly recommended. With no blood supply, the affected ​area will die and begin to necrose (rot). This opens the door for infection. Serious systemic infection can develop if it spreads to the bone.

Poor Abbott! It sounds like he had a pretty nasty infection with draining tracts! I'm so sorry that this happened to him! Unfortunately, the infection may have infiltrated the bone at this point, making it even more difficult to treat. Amputation is definitely an option, and most cats do great following the procedure (they are not very concerned with looks)! Abbott will have to be placed under general anesthesia, and the surgery itself typically does not take more than hour. He will likely need to be hospitalized for a few days following the procedure, but will go home shortly with an E-collar to prevent him from damaging the sutures. His mobility will likely be just fine, most cats continue living absolutely normal lives following an amputation. One of the concerns would be to keep him from getting overweight throughout the rest of his life, as he will have three legs to support himself. I hope this helps!

I'm so sorry to hear that! I am very concerned that the tissue under the skin (connective tissue, muscle, etc) is becoming "necrotic" meaning that tissue is dying. I am also concerned there may still be a maggot issue, as the area is spreading (you said there is a new wound forming). She needs to be evaluated by a vet, and it will probably be necessary to have surgery to debride (cut away/remove) the unhealthy tissue. She will need antibiotics as well. Please take her to a vet who can care for her. Unfortunately there really is not a home solution that is going to be effective. Best of luck with her, I'm sorry I can't recommend a way for you to treat this at home.

Hi and thanks for your request. Unfortunately this may be right as these type of injuries are very difficult to heal completely (as they are almost impossible to bandage and dogs wag their tail constantly). The vast majority of these injuries, even if look minuscule, end up having a surgical resolution (variable tail amputation).

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.