sore looking genitalia

[Debra]

This is quite weird, maybe somebody can help me out with this.
I have a six yr. old female cat named Tiger, who is spayed. She has never had any health problems except today I noticed she was licking her bum area alot. Upon looking closer, I noticed that the area below her bum is open, it looks red and inflamed, there is a hole there about the size of a nickel. It is about half an inch down from her bum. This might be a stupid question but, is that her vagina? I never noticed before that there was anything there. Why would it suddenly be red and inflamed and it almost looks like some of her insides are protruding out. Is it possible she let a tom cat penetrate even though she is spayed? I don't know if I should take her to the vet or what. She seems ok otherwise except my husband noticed she was a little listless the other morning. Can anyone shed any light on this? any info would be appreciated, thank-debbie

[Ron]

It would be very difficult to diagnose what could be causing the inflammation you see. It could be anything from some type of injury to an infection or even possibly a tumor. It's possible that it's the beginning of what could be a serious medical problem, I would strongly suggest that your kitty be seen by a vet ASAP.

I'm sorry your kitty is having this difficulty, I hope she will be better very soon! Please post an update.

[Traci]

It is about half an inch down from her bum. This might be a stupid question but, is that her vagina?

Probably, as long as your 1/2 inch is correct...if it's less, need to consider anal glands (possibly full, inflammed)

I never noticed before that there was anything there. Why would it suddenly be red and inflamed and it almost looks like some of her insides are protruding out.

Sure she's spayed? (just checking)....Could be inflammation due to an infection, as in urinary tract infection. Can you describe 'insides protruding out'? Is this the vulva, or does it appear to be an actual mass? Is it an open wound? (as in getting bit by a dog or suffering a trauma as a result of her outdoor excursion, in which, immediate veterinary attention, no time to waste)

Is it possible she let a tom cat penetrate even though she is spayed?

It's possible, but unlikely. (acclimating her strictly indoors would solve that potential problem)

I don't know if I should take her to the vet or what. She seems ok otherwise except my husband noticed she was a little listless the other morning. Can anyone shed any light on this? any info would be appreciated, thank-debbie

A little listless, that coupled with the description would warrant emergency vet attention...Just going by your description, it's really difficult to even venture a guess. I would suspect either infection, anal gland infection, puncture wound, or if in correct area, a mass of some sort. Don't delay in getting her seen promptly please, ASAP.

[Guest]

After reading your guys' posts I called and have an appointment with the vet at 4:45. I will post when I get back. Thank you for answering Tracey and Ron.

[Traci]

Thank you for taking the initiative! Can you please update after you've seen your vet....interested in knowing the diagnosis!

[Debra]

Well turns out to be a big bite on Tiger's hind area. I didn't think of that as a place a cat would ever bite, but apparently it's possible.
The vet wanted me to leave her for tonight so that he can perform surgery(stitch her up) on her in the morning, but I talked him into letting me take her home for the night and bringing her in the morning as I know this would be very traumatizing for her. He also said she has inflammed lymph nodes and gave her a shot of antibiotics. I have instructions to fast her after 10pm and hopefully the surgery will go well and she'll be home by afternoon.

[Traci]

Thanks for the update, Debra...

Your description of the wound sounds more like a dog bite than cat bite, for this reason, might want to discuss with your vet in the morning the option of an x-ray. Dogs can seriously damage a kitty internally, just by shaking them in their jaws, don't want that overlooked. If he spent a good amount of time listening to her heart and lung sounds, may not have to opt for an x-ray, but any injury can progress if something is left undetected (fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity as a result of a hemorhage, punctured lung or other organ, peritonitis infection, etc). Might also want to look on the opposite side of that wound for another puncture wound (as in two sides of jaws)

Here's wishing kitty an uneventful repair and recovery...thanks for getting her seen right away!

[kate & kobi]

I'm so sorry to hear that your kitty was hurt! I hope everything goes well with the surgery tomorrow and am praying for a quick recovery.

-kate

[Ron]

Thanks for posting the update. I'm hoping very strongly that her surgery will go well, my kitties all have their paws crossed for her!!!!

[Guest]

Well I just returned from dropping Tiger off at the vet.
It was a different vet this morning from the one I had yesterday, the first thing he said when he looked at Tiger's rear was "what happened?". I said I wasn't sure, but the other vet said it was a bite. He said he thought it was not a bite but more like a puncture wound of some sort.
What kind of bothered me about this vet was, as I was sitting in the lobby he said "what's your last name?" very coldly, even though I have been there many times in the past with my other cat, in fact "he" was the one who euthanized my cat just over 10 months ago. Maybe Iam being overly sensitive, but you'd think he might just remember that. Anyway, he said he will check for internal injuries, etc. I hope everything goes alright. Vet said Tiger was high risk for anaesthetic because of her age. I just hope they treat her like the gentle princess she is.
I didn't think it was an animal bite. She is not a fighter, for one. The wound is in a very odd spot for a cat fight bite, also. What could have possibly caused such a deep puncture? I have been looking around the house for sharp objects, nails etc, but can't find anything. My two cats have been "mousing" the last few days, and Tiger likes to squeeze her way under the reclining chair, Iam thinking maybe she did that and got caught on something? I don't know, Iam kind of baffled actually. I just hope everything goes well