Our question this week was:

My vet said my cat might have stud Tail - what is it?

Mary P.

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. Stud tail, also known as supracaudal gland infection, supracaudal gland hyperplasia or feline tail gland hyperplasia, is a condition resulting from overactive sebaceous glands located near the base of the tail. The accumulation of secretions causes matting of hair, scales, and crusting.

Stud tail is generally a cosmetic problem and does not bother the cat unless complications occur. Excessive oil is produced from the sebaceous glands at the base of the tail can cause the skin to stay moist allowing for secondary bacterial infections to occur. Other complications include thinning of hair and darker pigmentation of the hair.

An article that might be helpful to you is on our Petplace.com is "Stud tail in Cats".


Best of luck!


Dr. Jon


P.S. How do the rest of you deal with stud tail? Email me!




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