Frostbite on a Kitten's Tail

Frostbite is a medical condition that occurs when exposure to the extreme cold has occurred for an extended period of time. Small or young animals, such as kittens, can be particularly prone to developing frostbite. Frostbite can cause damage to appendages (toes), ear flaps, the nose and the tail, which may require surgical amputation.

  1. How Frostbite Occurs

    • In a kitten, the body reduces blood flow to outer areas of the body that are not of vital importance for survival when exposed to extremely cold temperatures. This decreased blood flow causes these body parts to suffer from a loss of oxygen and warmth. After prolonged exposure, ice crystals begin forming in the tissues of the tail. When these ice crystals form, it kills off the tissues. Frostbite in a kitten's tail may not be immediately apparent. In fact, it may take several days before any noticeable signs are present, according to veterinarian Dawn Ruben of Pet Place.

    Signs of Frosbite on a Kitten's Tail

    • There are many signs that can indicate frostbite has occurred on the kitten. To start, there may be skin discoloration. This may be seen as a pale, gray or blueish hue in the skin. If circulation is able to restart, the tail may become red or swollen. If any red areas begin turning dark, then this indicates that severe tissue damage has occurred. The kitten may have pain in the area, which can be noted by the kitten crying or attempting to get away if the tail area is touched. There may be blisters or skin ulcers that develop along the length of the tail. As the area attempts to heal, the skin may slough off.

    Immediate Treatment

    • The first step is crucial toward the kitten's survival: removal from the freezing temperatures. The kitten can be placed in warm water, approximately 104 degrees Fahrenheit, for around 20 minutes. It is important that the owner does not rub or massage the kitten, especially the around the toes, ear flaps or tail, as this can cause additional unnecessary damage. During this time, the owner should also get in contact with the veterinarian for additional instructions on how to proceed.

    Prognosis

    • In the case of the tail, frostbite may warrant the partial or entire surgical removal of the tail. If frostbite has been mild and the veterinarian is able to restore circulation, some or all of the tail may be saved. The tail is only salvageable if the tissue does not turn dark, as dark tissue indicates that the tissues have died and cannot be saved. This, of course, is entirely dependent upon how long the kitten was exposed to the extremely cold temperatures. If the tail is damaged, it is also likely that the ears, nose or toes may have also suffered damage and should also be examined and treated accordingly.

    Veterinarian Treatment

    • Aside from potential surgical removal, there are many things that the veterinarian can do to help sooth the kitten during this stressful time. To start, pain medication may be administered to deal with any physical pain the kitten may be dealing with due to the frostbite in the tail. In some cases, the kitten may not feel any pain in the tail because not only have the tissues died, but nerve damage has occurred as well. Aside from pain medication, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent any infections from occurring.