Dear Dr. Forsythe: About a week ago I was visiting my elderly mother and noticed that her cat’s tail was puffy and swollen. Apparently, she had stepped on it the week before and “Max” cried out and ran off. Now his tail is turning dark on the end and he won’t let anyone touch it. What are the chances it could heal up on its own? How dangerous is an injury like that?
Concerned for Max
Dear Concerned: From the description, it sounds like Max could have a broken tail, or at the very least, a dislocation. One of the problems with injuries there is that the tail is in constant motion, so breaks or damage to this extremity are very hard to isolate and very slow to heal. They rarely just heal on their own and can become quite dangerous. Your description of the tail becoming dark on the end almost sounds like gangrene setting in. This happens when an infection gains a strong foothold in an area where circulation is compromised. The result can lead to severe complications and possibly even amputation in some cases. I urge you to have your mother’s cat checked by her veterinarian immediately. And remind her “step on a crack, break your mother’s back” if this will urge her to seek help. Thanks for your question.
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: Our dog seems to get stung by a bee or yellow jacket every spring time. This year it is no different. It is not a matter of “if” but “when.” I was wondering if there was something I could do at home to help treat the problem and avoid the costly vet visit every time this happens. Last time I needed to bring her in and she got some injections given because her head became swollen and she had trouble breathing.
Kevin, Sonoma
Dear Kevin: It sounds like your dog is very allergic to stings. Some dogs get a little local swelling or their eyes get puffy, while others become VERY affected and have severe symptoms including head swelling and breathing trouble. What you are describing sounds like a full-on anaphylactic reaction. I would first recommend that you purchase some Benadryl 25 mg tablets over the counter and keep these on hand. At the first indication of a bee sting or spider bite I would give a small dog (25lbs) a 25 mg capsule (for larger dogs such as Labradors or Goldens I would give two capsules). If facial swelling or trouble breathing develops, I consider this a medical emergency and I would recommend you contact your veterinarian for medical treatment. If you have a good relationship with your veterinarian and have been through this troublesome and recurring problem before, your doctor may be willing to teach you how to give an injection into your dog and then send home a dose of steroid for you to keep on hand an administer for future use. This is similar to having an “epi” pen for a child with a severe peanut allergy. Bees, yellow jackets, spiders, and even horse flies are no laughing matter for certain dogs and cats. I feel that having a stock of antihistamine in the house can help a lot, but if your pet is sensitive, there is no substitute for good aggressive veterinary care to lessen the symptoms and improve your pet’s chances of having a positive outcome after a severe emergency. Thanks for your question.
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My indoor-only cat managed to get out last night. I have been worried sick and wanted to know if you had suggestions on how to call her so she would come back in.
Sarah, Sonoma
Dear Sarah: If she likes canned food, turn on the can opener or open a can outside and let her hear the fork bending the can. Also call her so she can hear your voice. “Here kitty kitty” still works very well. I would also leave a door open or leave the garage door open and put something recognizable out on the porch, deck etc… that she will see or smell as yours. Make sure there is food and water out for her, and of course, call all the appropriate places, such as vet offices and Pet’s Lifeline to give a description of her if you do not find her quickly. In most cases, indoor cats just play outside and wander around the house to get a feel of their “freedom” and then they come home. Make sure you tell all the neighbors, as they are also a good asset at a time like this. Good luck and bless your little kitty.
Dr. F.
