Sometimes the things that make us different from others become the things that make us extra special.
A cat was brought in as a stray to the Humane Society of Macomb Animal Shelter on August 27 by a good Samaritan. Immediately the staff noticed a large wound on the cat’s back end, and notified a staff doctor.
Upon exam, the doctor discovered the cat’s tail had been partially amputated, leaving only a small stump that had scabbed over.
The cat, estimated at 2-3 years of age, was named Simon by the staff, and seemed healthy otherwise. Simon was a sweet and affectionate cat from the start, despite his painful injury.
Simon was placed on antibiotics and pain medication while the doctor waited to see if the tail would heal on its own.
However, at the next exam, the doctor noted that the tissue on the tail had died, meaning it would not heal on its own. While it is unknown what happened to the cat’s tail, the doctor knew it needed to be removed completely.
One of Simon’s canine teeth also sat much lower than his other teeth, indicating the tooth was barely hanging on and would need to be removed.
Surgery was scheduled for Simon in the Humane Society of Macomb Animal Clinic, and on September 20, the doctor removed what was left of Simon’s tail. Simon also had the canine tooth removed. Time would tell if Simon would heal well, as tail surgeries can often carry several complications. Tail amputation surgery carries the risk of post-operative bleeding, infection, and abnormal nerve sensation, which can lead to self-mutilation of the surgical site.
Simon, however, healed extremely well, and remained a sweet cat throughout the healing process. Simon’s lack of a tail makes him unique, and his personality makes him that much more lovable. Come see Simon at the shelter today, and bring this special boy into your home, and your heart.