Neglected Cat's马尾Issue: Beware蜂窝积炎Risk!

The Dangers of Feline Pizzle Disease:

Cats suffering from pizzle disease are typically adult males in the breeding season. Pizzle disease in cats is an endocrine disorder that occurs during the breeding period in male cats, much like acne that can appear during human adolescence due to hormonal imbalances.

When unneutered male cats have an overproduction of testosterone, they may develop pustular lesions on the back of their tails, which could lead to secondary bacterial infections. Even neutered male and female cats, especially those with the Rex breed, can be affected, with a higher incidence rate.

During the breeding season, the sebaceous glands along the entire posterior tail of male cats secrete a large amount of sebum, resulting in blackheads at the tail base. Do not underestimate these small comedones and blackheads, as they can potentially develop into folliculitis, boils, carbuncles, and even cellulitis, leading to skin ulceration of the tail and spreading to surrounding areas.

What is Feline Cellulitis?

Feline cellulitis refers to a widespread, diffuse suppurative inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, or putrefactive bacteria.

If pizzle disease leads to cellulitis, the affected area may become extremely painful and swollen with unclear boundaries between the affected tissue and the surrounding area. There will be noticeable indurated edema, which becomes softer and ulcerates centrally, healing with a scar after about two weeks. It can also cause systemic symptoms such as chills and fever, and some cats may experience lymphadenitis, necrosis, and sepsis.

Therefore, to prevent the occurrence of cellulitis in cats, it is crucial to treat pizzle disease promptly.

In fact, pizzle disease is not a particularly severe condition and is relatively easy to treat.

Treatment Measures for Feline Pizzle Disease:

Method 1: Shave the affected area on the cat's tail and surrounding fur, gently wipe the blackhead comedones with 70% alcohol, then gently squeeze out the blackheads. Apply Furocin spray and zinc oxide ointment, then bandage the area.

Method 2: If pizzle disease has caused subcutaneous cellulitis, use 3% hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the affected area, then rinse away any remaining hydrogen peroxide with normal saline to avoid excessive skin irritation. Apply antibiotic ointment locally and use cefahexime or other antibiotics systemically to combat inflammation and infection.

Method 3: Neutering the affected male cat is the most definitive treatment, with some cats being cured this way, while others may only experience relief.

During the treatment period for pizzle disease, it is also important not to ignore dietary adjustments for the cat. Compare the fat content of the cat food; if it is too high, consider switching to a different brand! If you have any questions about medication, feel free to consult an online veterinarian for guidance!