A greasy spot on the tail or a completely greasy tail in a cat indicates that the tail gland is producing too much oil. The pathology is not life-threatening: it can rather be called cosmetic. But this does not mean that there is no need to treat your pet: fungi and bacteria may join the process - and then things will be difficult.
The cat has a greasy tail: reasons
Veterinarians do not yet have an exhaustive list of the causes of this condition, because the pathology has not been sufficiently studied. We can only talk about the propensity of certain groups of animals to this problem, as a result of which we can name possible risk factors.
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Tail fat in a cat is most often the result of overworking sebaceous glands caused by increased hormonal levels and imbalances. Veterinarians made this assumption because the problem occurs more often in unsterilized males, so this pathology is also called the tail of the breeder or the tail of breeding cats. It also occurs in females and castrates, but rarely. Although in relation to cats, the connection with hormonal levels is not a proven fact, unlike dogs, in which such a relationship has been studied far and wide.
Sebaceous glands are external secretion glands located in the skin and secrete a fatty secretion - sebum (sebum), consisting of triglycerides, wax esters, fatty acids and squalene. The greatest development is achieved during sexual maturation under the influence of sex hormones.
Tail gland hyperplasia is a seborrheic condition that appears as a collection of seborrheic discharge along the dorsal (upper) portion of the tail.
Another cause of greasy tail may be excessive fat in the diet. If this is the case, the fat content needs to be reduced.
Sebaceous glands on a cat's tail
Pathology often occurs in nurseries where cats are kept in cages. In this case, part of the treatment will be to provide the animal with sufficient space to live.
Also, some doctors cite poor hygiene as one of the reasons: they say the cat doesn’t wash itself well. This opinion seems controversial, because Many cats don't wash themselves very well, but they don't have this problem. And, on the contrary, it happens that cleaners have a greasy tail.
Another version of the causes of the pathology is metabolic disorders, which are often associated with excess weight. In this case, first you need to review your diet and lose weight.
Treatment
Providing first aid to a pet in a timely manner can save its life. If there is a fracture, the cat should be placed at rest and carefully transported in a carrier, taken to a veterinarian. After the examination, an x-ray is taken and the necessary medications are prescribed. In some cases, a cast is applied.
If scratches and wounds occur or hair loss occurs in the tail area, sulfur ointment is used, which is sold at any pharmacy. It does not dry out the skin and promotes rapid healing.
The most common problem in domestic cats is worms. Anti-inflammatory agents and a proper diet with the addition of vitamins can help remove them, which will not only have a beneficial effect on health, but will make the coat smooth and silky.
Development of the problem
When the defect just begins to develop, it may not be noticed, especially in long-haired animals. Then an oily stain appears on the surface of the fur. Then the owners think that the cat has gotten dirty. However, if you pull apart the fur, you can already see that not only the tips of the hairs are in fat, but also their bases, as well as the skin.
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Sebaceous tail syndrome is just beginning and is almost invisible
Further, an increasingly large area of the tail is involved in the process: the pathology acquires a serious scope - it is no longer possible not to notice it. The cat looks dirty and unkempt.
Often, due to hyperplasia of the sebaceous gland, hair falls out on the tail and black crusts form, making it appear as if the cat has a black tail. In addition, you can often notice redness and comedones on the skin (sebaceous plugs, which in small quantities look like individual black dots, and in large quantities - like a black coating on the tail). The color of the coat may also change and concomitant pathologies may develop: secondary bacterial and fungal infection with the formation of boils and pyoderma (purulent skin lesions), as well as seborrheic dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). In general, there are plenty of ugly and unpleasant consequences.
The problem is in development and is already noticeable to the naked eye
As a rule, when owners see fat on a cat's tail, they decide to wash it, but the problem does not go away for long, because... As a result, the gland does not begin to work normally (the cause of the pathology has not been eliminated!) and continues to produce new fat. Washing is an important component of therapy, but by no means the only one. We’ll get to therapy later, but now let’s talk about correct diagnosis.
Dangerous skin diseases of cats
Ringworm
Symptoms: hair loss in certain areas of the skin, peeling, the appearance of strange scales, sometimes purulent wounds. Your cat may itch, but ringworm usually does not cause itching.
Demodicosis
A serious disease caused by microscopic mites. It is highly contagious and develops rapidly. The main symptom is severe, constant scabies, the skin becomes covered with red spots. It starts with the head, ears. Without treatment, it quickly spreads to other areas of the body, appearing consistently in the armpits, on the folds, and at the base of the tail.
Factors predisposing to the appearance of demodicosis are improper feeding, maintenance, lack of a number of B vitamins, vitamin A, E, and worms.
Eczema
The main symptom of eczema is a weeping surface of the skin. The cat scratches the affected area, redness and nodules appear on the skin. The general condition changes: a fever develops, the cat loses weight, and kidney problems begin.
Based on skin scraping tests, your veterinarian will rule out other skin diseases and prescribe antihistamines. It is not recommended to treat the cat yourself, as any incorrect treatment can cause additional complications.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is dangerous due to its unpredictable manifestations. If left untreated in time, they can severely undermine the animal’s immune system.
Bedsores
Necrotic destruction of a cat's skin due to prolonged lying in one place. Manifested by tissue necrosis, death of skin cells. It is observed in sick animals that are forced to remain in one position for a long time. Symptoms: pain when touched, decreased temperature of the dying area, color change, appearance of ulcers. Prevention of the development of bedsores is simple - turn your pet over more often in the postoperative period, do not let him sit on the injured limb for a long time. Treatment comes down to treating wounds, dressings, and removing dead tissue.
Associated with viral infections
Some feline diseases lead to the development of skin problems. For example, with leukemia
the integument is especially severely affected - abscesses, neoplasms, and wounds occur.
Immunodeficiency in cats
causes chronic otitis media with damage to the skin of the ears, and numerous pustules (vesicles with pus) appear on the body. causes damage to the skin of the paw pads and around the nose.
It is important to promptly seek help from a veterinarian to determine the cause of the skin disease. The specialist will determine the main cause of the soreness and prescribe adequate therapy.
The cat scratches itself periodically, but looks quite well. However, once again stroking the pet, the owner notices the cat’s sores
.
What are the reasons why, seemingly asymptomatically, a cat develops sores
?
Among the broad picture of feline skin diseases, a number of particularly common ailments can be identified, as a result of which the cat develops sores.
Diagnostics
Usually making a diagnosis is not difficult. But differential diagnosis with other dermatological diseases may be required. Sebaceous gland hyperplasia should be distinguished from ringworm, demodex (mite) and neoplasms. These diseases are dangerous, some of them are contagious.
An experienced veterinarian can distinguish sebaceous gland hyperplasia from other pathologies during an in-person examination. Also, in some cases, tests are required to make an accurate diagnosis.
Taking care of our pets
Every cat owner should have a clear idea of what diseases he may encounter in his animal. Veterinarians often advise washing cats' anal openings with soap and water. This procedure has a stimulating effect on the anal glands, helping them to cleanse themselves. We also appeal to attentive owners who take their pet for examination at an animal care center - remind the veterinarian about a routine examination of the secretion sacs.
Since the animal experiences pain and shows aggression when performing manual manipulations to remove secretions, it is recommended to contact a specialist. At the Ya-Vet help center, experienced doctors will show you professional, fast help at low prices for your pet. We show love to animals by keeping them healthy!
Dog owners are well aware of possible problems with the anal glands. These are the characteristics of the canine family. However, there is a lot of information about cats. Inflammation of the paraanal glands in cats is not such a common occurrence, since canines and cats are anatomically and physiologically different, although both are human pets.
How to wash a cat's greasy tail?
The fat on a cat's tail can be washed off. For this purpose, a remedy for greasy cat tails is selected in the form of paste, powder and sprays. But it is better to use a special shampoo: shampoos marked “for greasy hair”, “against seborrhea”, “for seborrheic dermatitis”, etc. help against a cat’s greasy tail.
If you don’t have cat shampoos at home and you urgently need to wash off the fat, you can use a specialized product for people aimed at solving a similar problem. But only premium or professional, not mass market. For example, Vishi shampoo against seborrheic dermatitis is good because, in addition to drying substances, it also contains moisturizing components: after washing with products based only on drying substances, the skin becomes overdried and additionally needs moisturizing, but Vishi does everything itself. Of course, if possible, use a special cat shampoo on a regular basis.
In two soapings, the tail is washed off perfectly: no fat or greasy crusts remain on the skin.
If suddenly after washing there are areas with greasy crusts and dirt, and also in order to prevent the addition of a bacterial infection, the remaining grease and dirt can be additionally removed using a cotton pad moistened with a solution of chlorhexidine digluconate.
Some owners try to wash off the fatty base of the cat's tail using Fairy. Surprisingly, similar advice can be heard from veterinarians and felinologists. Indeed, “Fairy” washes the tail well, until it squeaks. But you still don't need to use it. Fairy and other dishwashing detergents disrupt skin pH and microflora, and also lead to other problems.
How to wash a cat's greasy tail if he is afraid to swim? Firstly, being afraid of bathing does not mean that the animal cannot be washed. Many people are afraid - not many people fight to the death in the bathroom. If the cat does not go into a crazy state at the sight of water, it is quite possible to wash it by force. Secondly, if this task is really difficult or there is nothing suitable for washing at hand, you can use ordinary potato starch: it absorbs fat well. Apply starch liberally to the skin and fur of the tail, rub, wait a little so that the fat has time to be absorbed, and comb out the starch with a comb.
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Starch and special dry shampoos can be used every day or as fat accumulates. But washing a cat’s tail under water every day is not recommended, so as not to dry out the skin and get the opposite effect - even greater activity of the sebaceous glands. However, you will now have to wash your tail often to prevent the consequences of such an unpleasant condition. This is done as oil and dirt accumulate on the skin.
Ulcers
More often, ulcers occur in short-haired four-legged friends. They can appear along the entire length of the tail, often affecting the root, and this can cause necrosis of the tissues and vertebrae of the tail.
An ulcer on the tail requires serious treatment and attention from the owner. If a crust has formed on it, then it must be removed from there and the wound must be cleaned of suppuration. Be sure to treat everything with an antiseptic for cats. Also, it is worth treating it with ointment (Vishnevsky, streptomycin) and applying a bandage.
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In advanced cases, the cat may develop gangrene, blood poisoning and serious consequences.
How to treat a cat's fat tail?
Many owners have a reasonable question: if a fat tail is a cosmetic defect, then maybe it shouldn’t be treated at all? You can, of course, not treat it. But do not forget that the development of the disease is extremely unpleasant for the owner and pet and has consequences for health. Let us recall that among them are:
- hair loss of the tail;
- inflammation of the skin;
- the addition of a bacterial infection with the development of folliculitis, furunculosis and abscesses;
- itching and scratching;
- pain and discomfort, changes in behavior for the worse as a result of painful sensations.
The consequences may even be as follows.
Thus, it is necessary to treat, and the sooner the better. A cat's greasy tail can be treated comprehensively - externally and by eliminating internal causes.
- If a bacterial infection has already joined the process, a course of antibiotics is used as prescribed by a veterinarian, as well as external treatment. If fungi have joined the process, antifungal drugs are prescribed. If the process proceeds without infection, no antibiotics need to be given. The decision to prescribe medications is made only by the veterinarian!
- After confirmation of the diagnosis, castration is recommended, because Most often, this pathology occurs in fertile cats as a result of the action of sex hormones. However, castration is not a guarantee of getting rid of the problem, because Neutered men can also suffer from this pathology. At the same time, if the defect is caused by a riot of hormones during puberty, it may itself disappear over time. However, if the cat is not planned as a breeder, then he will still have to be castrated, and a greasy tail is an excellent reason to do this right now.
- In the case when a breeding cat is sick and because of his greasy tail he is not given high marks at shows, hormonal drugs that suppress sexual function are prescribed as symptomatic therapy - this is a way to externally eliminate the defect until the assessment is received. Let us emphasize once again that this is not a treatment, but only a temporary elimination of the defect. And it may not work, because... The cause of pathology is not only rampant hormones.
- The tail should be regularly washed with shampoo or another special product, cleaned and combed. But you can’t wash it with a too aggressive product that washes it out “to the point of squeaking”: then you can get the opposite effect - the iron will increase secretion.
- Also, if there is a threat of developing a bacterial infection, treatment of the tail skin with a cotton pad moistened with a solution of chlorhexidine digluconate is prescribed. This is a mild antibacterial agent aimed at preventing the development of infection. But there is no need to treat with alcohol, because... it dries out the skin and provokes even more sebum secretion.
The prognosis for the course of the disease is favorable. Treatment takes about 2 months. The main methods of therapy are castration, normalization of lifestyle and tail hygiene. However, sometimes even the most radical measures do not help - the defect does not disappear. However, they help to ensure that the pathology at least does not get worse.
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Drugs used
To successfully treat an animal, the use of any one remedy is not enough. Therapy must be comprehensive. Medicines should be used both internally, to suppress microflora, and locally.
Ointments
Ointments and liniments have a fatty base, which contributes to:
- rapid absorption of the active principle;
- preventing drying out of serous and mucous membranes;
- softening of tissues, as well as dried “crusts” and their rejection.
If there are no wounds or tears, there is no point in using ointments. Some substances can be absorbed through the skin, but no strong effect is felt.
If there is an abscess or purulent cavity, then applying ointments will help relieve inflammation, but at the same time it is necessary to remove the purulent masses and excise the pockets so that the contents do not linger.
The inconvenience of using ointments for the sub-tail area is that the cat sits down and wipes the ointment on the floor and bedding.
It’s a completely different matter when the drug “Olazol” is used. When shaking the bottle, a foamy mass forms. Through the nozzle it can be easily inserted into the lumen of the rectum. By doing this regularly, you can quickly create the necessary concentration of the active principle in the tissues and relieve inflammation. The base is chloramphenicol and sea buckthorn oil. The drug is effective for paraproctitis and the cat recovers quickly.
The following can be used as ointments:
- levomekol;
- levosin;
- chloramphenicol - gel;
- syntomycin liniment;
- gentamicin ointment.
The ointment should be applied at intervals of 1-2 hours into the wound cavity. If there is no wound, then apply the ointment alone to a cotton swab and insert it into the cat’s rectal cavity. You should change your tampon 2 times a day.
Antibiotics
A course of antibiotics is necessary to suppress the infection and lasts 5-7 days, depending on the severity of the process.
The most effective drugs are:
- cephalexin. If the drug is in capsules, then the gelatin base contains a powder that is very easy to dose. For an average cat, you can take 1/10 of it, mix it with minced meat and apply it to the root of the tongue. The tablet form is turned into powder or 1/10 of the tablet is broken off and served to the cat. The drug is well absorbed and retained in soft tissues and acts against many microorganisms. The drug is administered 2 times a day in a mixture with food;
- ciprafloxacin. The group of fluoroquinolones to which the drug belongs is able to quickly cope with the onset of infection and relieve inflammation from soft tissues. The drug is in tablet form. For a cat, the tablet is divided into 10 parts and placed in the mouth in one part in the morning and in the evening.
Rectal suppositories
The described pathology is localized in the rectum and the use of rectal suppositories is advisable.
The following drugs may be most effective:
- “Ichthyols”, based on ichthyol;
- “Propolis” containing propolis;
- "Proctosedil", with antibiotics and hydrocartisone
- "Olesthesin" with sulfonamides and sea buckthorn oil.
Suppositories are administered 2 times a day after bowel movements.
Fractures
A fracture of the caudal vertebrae leads to damage to the spinal nerves and blood vessels, and if the blood flow and tissue nerves are disrupted, the formation of difficult-to-treat trophic ulcers is possible. A damaged tail can become a source of chronic infection.
When fractured, the tail hangs motionless or is bent. When you palpate the damaged area, you can notice its increased temperature and severe pain, and when you move, you can hear a crunching sound. The part of the tail below the fracture becomes freely mobile, sometimes cold. An increase in swelling, pain and temperature indicates infection and the development of a purulent process. Cold weather is a symptom of the onset of gangrene.
