Possible nerve damage in Loki's tail

[Greta_Loki]

Well, I'm so upset and angry with myself. About a year ago I accidentally closed the heavy recycling drawer on my cat Loki's tail. I was certain I had broke it. But, it seemed fine and I counted myself as lucky.

Then, about a month and a half ago, Loki starts biting his tail. But, his reaction is not nonchalant - it's as if something is really bothering him on his tail (like something is biting him). I did a quick check and it all seemed fine. But things have been getting worse, so I brought him into the vet today and they think ruled out fleas/ticks (he's an indoor cat and there was also no evidence). The vet feels it is possible nerve damage from when I closed the drawer on his tail.

What bothers me the most is that she suggested life-long pain medication (Gabapentin). OMG. He's only 1 years old!

I feel so awful that my mistake would be causing my sweet, gorgeous cat this much pain, and potentially for his entire life. I've been in tears since we got back.

If anyone has any advice or experience I would really appreciate it. I'll be searching through the archives but wanted to put this out there. Thanks,
Lisa

 

[fionasmom]

The thing with nerve damage is that an injury or surgery can occur and damage the nerves and deaden then for a while. However, as nerve endings regenerate they can produce pain. This could be why Loki did not react to the injury earlier. I had this happen to me after surgery and the pain did not start until about 2 years later.

Did the vet suggest any imaging to find out if this is what is happening? I would want to be sure before I started him on Gabapentin for life. The other point is that if Loki is in some sort of chronic, real pain it might be better to amputate the tail or the part of it that is causing pain.

Another thought having nothing to do with the recycling drawer....is Loki exhibiting signs of hyperesthesia when he goes after the tail?

 

[gilmargl]

I agree with fionasmom , I have known cats who suddenly attack their tail or their back (hyperesthesia or rolling skin). Those I've known have quiet phases and haven't needed medication. I would also ask about amputating part or all of the tail as if that could cure the problem it is surely preferable to taking painkillers for life. I have nursed a stray after her tail was amputated. There are far worse operations than that and she was an ideal patient as she fortunately never attempted to remove the bandages.
Don't blame yourself it may have nothing to do with the accident with the drawer!

 

[Greta_Loki]

Thanks so much fionasmom and gilmargl . I have been researching hyperesthesia and saw a video on youtube and it really looks like what Loki is doing. So, it may be that and not nerve damage.

I was thinking amputation would be preferable to life-long meds too but the doctor said the amputation may make the nerve damage/pain even worse?? I felt like she really didn't want the amputation (if we needed to go there in the future), but that didn't seem right to me when she said it.

 

[Maurey]

Could you get a second opinion from a vet at a different clinic? A vet neurologist may be beneficial, considering the cirumstances.

 

[fionasmom]

I have a dog who lost a leg to melanoma and have had several TNRed ferals over the years who had been in fights and had gangrene set into their tails which were amputated. I was never once told that there would be residual pain. There is such a thing as phantom limb pain and that might be what your vet is referring to but I think I would continue this discussion with a specialist, especially a veterinary neurologist. I still think that Gabapentin for a decade or more is a serious consideration.

 

[Greta_Loki]

If anyone is curious, it now definitely appears to be feline hyperesthesia. We have been treating him successfully with CBD oil (made specifically for cats) and Vitamin B drops. He barely attacks his tail anymore. I continued the conversation in this post: Help - Feline Hyperesthesia

 

[FeebysOwner]

Just so you know, CBD oil could also help with nerve damage (including potential pain from regeneration). So, IMO, that possibility isn't really ruled out. But, the bottom line is that you've found something that seems to be working for Loki regardless of the cause.