Primary stabilisation for tail avulsion in 15 cats

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of a primary tail stabilisation technique in relieving pain and supporting nerve recovery in cats that have lost voluntary motor function and pain sensation in the tail without caudal nerve transection.
Materials and MethodsRetrospective review of medical records and preoperative diagnostic tests, including clinical examination results and tail radiographs of cats suffering from tail avulsion with loss of pain perception in the tail between 2009 and 2015. Cats with open tail fracture, tail wounds that necessitated an amputation or caudal nerve roots transection were excluded. Tail reconstruction was performed, after surgical exploration, with two nylon sutures.
ResultsFifteen cats were included, all of which had lost voluntary motor function in the tail and 8 of 15 were urinary incontinent. After surgery, 11 cats recovered of voluntary tail function and pain sensation within 14 to 90 days (mean 39 days). Five of the eight previously incontinent cats recovered urinary continence within a month of surgery.

Clinical SignificanceThe reported method of primary tail stabilisation is associated with recovery of lost function in the majority of cats presenting with tail avulsions, loss of pain sensation in the tail but without caudal nerve root transection. A comparison study is required to determine whether these results are superior to conservative management.

Source: The Journal of Small Animal Practice - October 1, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: J. Caraty, R. Hassoun, P. Meheust Tags: PAPER Source Type: research