Due to our pet’s tails being somewhat ‘out on a limb’ (if you will excuse the pun!), they are very prone to injuries. The tail is an important part of dogs’ and cats’ anatomy. It serves multiple purposes but can often become injured as it is so mobile and exposed at the end of the body. 

The tail is an extension of the spinal column. It is made up of lots of bones joined in a line called vertebral segments. They start big and gradually get smaller towards the tip of the tail. The bones are surrounded by muscles and nerves that allow the tail to move. In between the bones are intervertebral discs acting as shock absorbers and allowing the spine to be flexible. Any part of the tail can be injured. Vets come across all sorts of tail injuries. This article will discuss the most common tail injuries and how they are managed successfully. Read on to find out more!

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Why do Dogs and Cats have Tails? 

Tails are an adorable wagging extension of the body. They have many important roles. These include balance, communication, regulation of body temperature, and in some cases, they can even help with hygiene. It turns out tails are a rather versatile appendage!

One of the main reasons dogs and cats have tails is for communicating. Both dogs and cats use their tails to express a variety of emotions. Dogs let us know they are excited or happy with a good tail wag. If they are holding their tail between their legs, this often means they are scared or feeling submissive. Tail position and movement are also important for social interactions such as play, mating, and aggressive encounters with other cats or predators. 

The tail is very important for helping with balance and stability. It acts as a counterbalance helping our cats and dogs to maintain equilibrium when they are active in their environment. The tail can even be used as a rudder to help them change direction when they are in motion.

Dogs and cats have special glands near the base of their tails that secrete chemicals. These are used for communication with other animals. These scents can pass on information about a cat or dog’s identity, social status, and reproductive state.

There are certain breeds of dogs (that have originated from colder climates) that have adapted their tails for warmth. They have thick, fluffy tails that can be curled around their body to provide insulation against the cold.

Interestingly some cats are born without tails such as the Manx cat. This breed is born with no tail due to a genetic mutation. Some breeds of dog are born with no tail or very small stumps such as the Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, and the Corgi.

Common Tail Injuries

Here are a few of the more common tail injuries that vets encounter in cats and dogs. 

Abrasions

Cuts and scrapes often occur when dogs and cats catch their tails on rough objects or get them trapped in places on their daily adventures. Lots of abrasions are only superficial and will heal on their own. 

Lacerations 

These are very common and often occur during fights or if a tail gets caught on barbed wire or pointy sharp objects around the house. A laceration is a deep cut or tear in the skin that often needs dressing and stitching. 

Degloving

Degloving injuries are very common. A degloving injury occurs when the skin around the tail is stripped off (like removing a glove from a hand, hence the name). 

Fractures 

Just like the other bones in our dogs and cats, tail bones can break. Tail fractures can occur after an injury, such as a car accident or getting slammed in a door. Fractures near the tip of the tail usually heal better than fractures closer to the body at the tail base. There can be damage to the nerves that can cause big problems. If the fracture is severe, sometimes the tail needs to be amputated. 

Dislocations 

This sort of injury occurs when the bones in the tail become dislodged from their original position. It can occur from things like blunt trauma for example getting hit by a car, fights, and even excessive wagging in dogs. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

These include sprains, strains, contusions, and hematomas (bruises) They can result from bites, accidents, or other forms of trauma. There are a few very common soft tissue injuries that are frequently seen. 

Limber Tail, or acute caudal myopathy, is a specific condition affecting the muscles of the tail. It is similar to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) that humans experience after strenuous activity. The tail hangs limp and the base of the tail becomes sore and tender to touch.  

Happy Tail Syndrome, also known as kennel tail, is caused by repetitive tail wagging. If the tail is repeatedly hit against hard surfaces this can make the issue worse. Dogs with long, thin tails, especially those lacking protective fur, are more susceptible. Breeds like Labradors, Greyhounds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are often affected due to their size and muscular build.

Vascular Injuries 

Dogs and cats can experience something called tail tip necrosis: This condition occurs when the tip of the tail is deprived of its blood supply, this can lead to tissue death. It is often caused by circulatory problems or infections.

Nerve damage 

Any sort of tail injury can unfortunately result in nerve damage. Typically nerve damage occurs when the tail is pulled too hard as this stretches or tears nerves. Tail pull injuries can cause damage to the nerves in the spinal cord. Some of these nerves control the ability to pass urine and feces. Fractures that occur near the tail base can also cause considerable damage to the nerves.

Clinical Signs of Tail Injury in Cats and Dogs 

If your pet has injured their tail there are some tell tail signs owners will see at home. 

  • Pain. Dogs and cats may yelp, whine, or vocalise in some other way to let us know they are in pain. They may hiss, growl, or attack others when their tail is touched if they are in pain too. They may also repeatedly lick or bite at the area. The pain may cause them to go off their food or stop eating completely. 
  • Swelling. The area may be swollen and bruised. There may be a red area surrounding the swelling. The tail may look deformed because of the swelling. 
  • Holding the tail in an unusual position. Dogs and cats may hold their tail awkwardly if there has been a fracture or dislocation. 
  • Lameness. They may not be able to walk properly or may walk in a strange way with a different gait. They may avoid putting weight on their hind limbs. 
  • Changes in movement. Dogs and cats may not be able to use their tail in a normal way, they may avoid using them, or not be able to move it at all. 
  • Damage to the skin. There may be superficial cuts, grazes or abrasions present that give away the presence of an injury. There may also be hair loss and scabs present. 
  • Blood or discharge. There may be blood or discharge present on the tail. This can be active bleeding or dried blood. 
  • Changes in behaviour. Your pet may become suddenly irritable, aggressive, withdrawn, or less active.
  • Deformity. The tail may be twisted, bent, twisted, or appear abnormal in some way.
  • Loss of sensation. Your pet may not be able to tell if they are being touched in the area or register if they are in pain. 
  • Difficulty passing urine or faeces. If the injury is really bad, it can affect your pet’s ability to go to the toilet.

If you see that your pet’s tail is injured in any way, it is important that you take them to get checked out by a vet. Even small cuts and grazes can easily become infected and more serious injuries can cause a great deal of pain. 

Diagnosis of tail injuries in the dog and cat

Your vet will start by performing a full physical exam to assess the extent of the injury. They will check your pet over and make sure there are no other injuries or signs of illness too. They may need to use imaging techniques such as an ultrasound scanner or X-rays to look at internal damage or identify fractures. 

Treatment Options for Tail Injuries 

Treatment options and management strategies will vary depending on the nature of the injury. Common treatments include:

Care of wounds

Minor cuts and grazes, abrasions, or lacerations are often treated with thorough cleaning, debridement (which means removal of dead tissue), and dressing the wound (if required). Depending on how the injury occurred, and taking into account the medical history of the pet, antibiotics may be required to prevent infection from occurring. 

Bandaging and Splinting

Some injuries such as dislocations or fractures may need bandaging or splinting to keep the tail still and allow for the best chance to heal. Sometimes a splint or support bandage is placed while the pet is waiting for surgery. 

Fracture Repair 

The type of fracture repair carried out will depend on the severity of the fracture. Some minor tail fractures may heal on their own without treatment (although it is always important to get your vet to assess them first to decide this). Some will need bandaging or splints. If the fracture is severe, sometimes amputation of the tail is required. 

Soft tissue injuries 

This includes Injuries to any of the ‘soft tissues’ – which covers anything in the body that isn’t bone. These sorts of injuries require rest, (which is easier said than done with some dogs and cats!) and antiinflammatory pain medications. Avoiding activities such as swimming can often help. Minor degloving injuries can be treated by cleaning and dressing the wound. If they are severe, often amputation is the best option. 

Care at home 

If your pet is returning from a stay at the vet, you will have some instructions to follow to ensure the high level of care continues and they make a good recovery. Each case will be managed individually but there are a few key points to remember. 

  • Rest. It is important to avoid activities that could make the injury worse or delay healing. 
  • Monitoring. Watch closely for any signs of worsening pain, swelling, or infection.
  • Wound care. Make sure the wound is clean and dry and ensure that any sutures or stitches are in place. If there are any signs of discharge or bleeding, contact your vet immediately. 
  • Medication. Give all medication as directed by your vet. 

It is very important to attend all follow-up appointments with your vet. 

Final Thoughts 

Tail injuries are a frequent occurrence for cats and dogs. They are often caused by accidents, fights, or other traumatic events. Understanding the different types of tail injuries, their symptoms, and appropriate treatment options is crucial for pet owners to ensure their animals get the appropriate care.  

Further Reading