Mysterious tale of the limp tail
WORRYING LACK OF WAG FOLLOWS BRIEF DISAPPEARANCE
QWe have a seven-year-old cocker spaniel that, after running in some bushes, came out with a limp tail. He has had X-rays and anti-inflammatory treatment, but we’ve seen no obvious abnormalities or progress four weeks later. Will an MRI scan help?
AWithout having seen what happened while he was running in the bushes, we can only speculate. It seems likely, though, that some kind of trauma occurred.
In your email you don’t mention whether he has control of his bowels and bladder, or if there is any obvious pain in the tail area.
There are some conditions that result in a limp tail. The most benign of these is known as limber tail, also known as swimmer’s tail and cold-water tail. It is thought to be a muscle or nerve condition, seen mainly as a result of over exercise. Therefore, it is especially seen in hunting dogs and unfit dogs not used to strenuous exercise.
There is usually some pain around the tail area initially but the condition often cures itself within a few weeks with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Other conditions that will cause a limp tail include trauma to the lower back, arthritis, disc protrusion, fractured vertebrae and damage to the nerves supplying the tail.
Your vet has ruled out most of these conditions by X-rays so a logical next step would be MRI scans – if funds allow – and a neurological examination.
MRI scans are best at diagnosing nerve damage. This, plus a neurological examination, gives the best oppor
tunity for a specific diagnosis and therefore accurate prognosis.
Q I have a rescue dog that has adapted well at home, except for a major issue with separation anxiety. She is never left alone for more than an hour, but every time I go out she soils her cage, and even more so when outside the cage. What can we do?
AFrom your description, your dog does seem to have separation anxiety. But it’s encouraging that you don’t normally leave her for more than an hour, giving you a smaller time interval to work with and hopefully a good prognosis.
I recommend a visit to the vet for a general examination to rule out any underlying physical problems.
If none are found the quickest favourable results are usually achieved when your vet and a qualified animal behaviourist work with you in a team approach. There are some sedating prescription products specifically licensed for separation anxiety in dogs.
I often emphasise the crucial importance of a qualified animal behaviourist in cases like this. You can find a useful summary of suitably qualified individuals and where they are located by googling “certified dog behaviourists PDSA”. This identifies individuals with appropriate training, and recognised qualifications. They will require a veterinary referral.
Generally, the cause is assessed and a reward-based programme developed, building up the dog’s confidence by gradually increasing the time left alone. In the meantime, you can help by making the cage a safe, quiet haven, away from windows, and provide toys and food distractions.
MRI scans are best at diagnosing nerve damage.