Tail Amputation in Cats
Cat tail amputation, also known as caudectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of a cat's tail to treat conditions like severe injury, infection, tumors, and self-trauma where conservative treatments have failed. The procedure requires general anesthesia, involves carefully cutting between vertebrae and suturing the remaining tissues to prevent complications like infection and bleeding. Post-surgical care is crucial, often including pain medication, antibiotics, and a protective collar to prevent the cat from licking or chewing at the surgical site.
Tail Amputation Aftercare
Activity Restriction
Limit your cat's activity for 10-14 days after surgery. Restrict indoor time to a quiet, secure space, like a crate or small room, and decrease activity.
Incision Monitoring and Protection:
Monitor the surgical site daily for signs of infection such as excessive redness, discharge, or swelling.
Mild swelling and redness can be normal during the healing process. Use an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) or recovery cone to prevent your cat from licking, biting, or chewing at the incision. Keep the incision dry and avoid bathing your cat during the recovery period.
Feeding and Hydration:
Offer a small amount of food and water when you bring your cat home. Anesthesia can cause nausea, so your cat may not be interested in eating initially. If your cat vomits, wait a few hours before offering more food and water. Resume regular feeding the next day, and appetite should return to normal within 24 hours. If your cat refuses to eat, try offering bland options like boiled chicken and rice.
Medication:
Administer all pain medications and antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian. Never give your cat over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil, as they are toxic to pets.
Litter Box Care:
Use paper-based litter instead of normal cat litter for 10-14 days to reduce the risk of infection at the amputation site. Consider a shallow, uncovered litter box for easier access. Scoop the litter box frequently to remove urine and feces and maintain hygiene.
Follow-up Care:
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your veterinarian. Contact us immediately if you observe any signs of infection (redness, swelling, heat, discharge, unpleasant odor) or if you have any concerns about your cat's recovery.
Important Reminders:
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The anesthetic may cause your cat to be groggy or whiny for 24-48 hours.
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Provide a comfortable and quiet space for recovery.
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Keep your cat indoors to prevent complications and infection.
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Be gentle when interacting with your cat, especially around the amputation site.
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Ensure your cat gets plenty of rest and avoids excessive activity.
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Consider using a pheromone diffuser or spray to help reduce stress and anxiety during the recovery period.
Contact
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