10737 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 559-3770
Center-Sinai Animal Hospital
Serving the Los Angeles Community since 1969
10737 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 559-3770
Full
range of pet care and emergency veterinary services available
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Please note: if you believe your pet's situation is critical, Dr.
Baum urges you to contact your vet ASAP.
HELP!
MY KITTY BITES
HIS TAIL UNTIL IT BLEEDS!
Dear Dr. Baum --
My cat Drew bites the end of his tail until
it bleeds. He goes crazy and starts running around the house. His
eyes get big and he starts panting. We try wrapping it up with paper
and tape and it works for a bit but then when we go to take it off
he bites it again. Please help me understand why he is doing this.
Does he need to get his tail removed? : (
Thank you,
Sha, Port Richey FL
Dear Sha --
Sometimes the biting at
the tip of the tail is related to obsessive/compulsive behavior and
sometimes it is related to true physical discomfort. If it is
related to a behavioral disorder, amputating the tail may only serve
to transfer the biting to the remaining stump. If the biting is
related to a physical problem such as flea bite irritation,
controlling the fleas and giving a shot of cortisone may suffice. If
the end of the tail has been damaged physically -- there is a
circulatory problem -- then amputating the diseased portion would
help. You need to have your cat examined and give the attending
doctor a good and accurate history about the cat and especially its
disposition and behavioral traits. If the cat is indeed
obsessive/compulsive, then anti-anxiety medications such as
phenobarbitol or amitryptaline might be helpful. Have your cat
examined!!
Good luck! Dr. Baum
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HELP!
MY KITTY BITES
