Introduction

Thermography represents a pictorial map where the inflammation or vitality exists.

Objectives

This case report described thermographic detection of inflammation associated with tail wound in a cat.

Methods

A 6-month-old female mixed domestic cat was presented to our clinic with a history of car accident. After the clipping of tail, crushed wounds were easily visualised on the ventral surface of tail, and the tail was paralyzed. Coincidently, coccygeal agenesis, a rare congenital condition was also detected on radiography. Thermographic examination was carried to detect the living tissue of tail.

Results

The unwounded areas were hot (38.4°C) cranial to the wounded area. The wounded areas were cold (32.3–32.90°C) and were localised on the caudal to the end. Cold areas were associated with necrosis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, thermography is useful non-invasive tool to detect location and degree of an inflammation, which may help decide the level of amputation.