Stud Tail

Stud Tail is quite similar to feline acne in that it is a condition caused by over secretion of the sebaceous glands on tail. It is most common in unaltered males but can occur in queens and altered males. It is usually presented on the dorsal side of the tail and in the first 1/3 to 2/3rds of the tail. It will generally have a very greasy or waxy brown appearance and may have a strong odor. In extreme cases, infection can occur, as well has hair loss.

Treatment: Thorough cleansing of the affected is required. Twice a day the tail should be washed with either a tar and sulfa shampoo made specifically for cats or Dawn’s ™ dishwashing soap. Thorough rinsing after cleansing is important. Follow up with towel dry and sprinkle cornstarch rubbing it gently into the tail. In very mild cases, cornstarch rubbed into the tail and then combed or brushed out several times a day will help.

The cornstarch technique works rather well for mild cases and when the stud is to be shown. Simply apply the cornstarch the night of and the morning before showing (bathing prior is helpful) then brush the cornstarch out before show time.

In severe cases, the tail might be painful, warm, and have hair loss. This is indicative of infection. Wash the area with betadine and then treat as above. Antibiotics may have to be administered both orally and in topical form to assist in clearing it up.

The other course of action is to alter the male, which may relieve the problem.

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