Cat tail illness

[brownt20]

There is a local cat who lives in our compound and he seems to have developed some sort of tail illness (gangrene or leprosy?). The tail looks dead, and there are open sores on it. The cat doesn't seem too bothered by it (i.e. he doesn't appear to be in pain), but there are some other kittens who hang around him, and we're worried they might get it as well.

We talked to a vet about it and described it, and they prescribed some antibiotics which I've been giving him twice a day by dissolving the pill in some hot water and milk. Some background info is that there was a kitten in the compound who had this same tail issue, and eventually died a few weeks ago. We're not sure if the death was caused by the tail issue.

I've attached some photos of his tail, does anyone recognize what it is and what the treatment would be?

Thanks

[Bkitty]

I know you are doing everything and he is a lucky guy to have you look after him!! That's all you can do. Opus/Jade are the sites experts they may have some other suggestions I will email them. ((((hugs))))
Ill say an extra prayer tonight for both of you!

[brownt20]

Unfortunately there are not many (if any) animal shelters around here. I live in Kenya, where even veterinarians are hard to come by. Generally people here don't see cats or dogs as pets, so there are not a lot of resources to keep them healthy or to collect stray animals from the streets (especially cats).

Thanks for your encouragement Bkitty, we'll just try to keep doing the best we can. Today we put some iodine on his tail, and while he seemed to find it a bit uncomfortable, he didn't run away or freak out, which is probably an indication that he has very little feeling left in his tail. Who knows? Maybe he'll pull through.

[Bkitty]

Im betting its more of a flea issue than a cat tail disease. *****. The only option that you really have is to try and get them to a vet the best that you can. Once a flea infestration gets outta hand,,it can become deadly. Cats get really sick and become anemic.

They need vet care.
You are doing the best that you can!! Thank GOD for people like you. Are there any no kill animal shelters around your area? You could maybe contact one of them and have them come and get the lil guy. They can take them to a vet and get them cleaned up and possibly adopted one day. I wish the best.
Thank You for all you are doing
Bkitty

[brownt20]

Hi Bkitty,

Thanks for replying. Yes he does have fleas, though we gave him (and all the other cats) flea medicine. It was a powder that we rubbed on their bellies, and then later when that didn't appear to work we bought some little drops which we put on the back of their necks. We're not too sure if any of these treatments worked, so we refrain from touching them (which isn't easy because they're so friendly).

Any idea on how to cure this? I wonder if we were able to kill the fleas, if the problem would start to go away (?)

[Bkitty]

A horrible flea infestation can cause open sores and such. The cat can die from that as well as it causes them to become anemic. Literally the fleas will suck the life out of them. It could even be possible it has some type of mange. Poor baby.

[Bkitty]

Hi! Does he have fleas?