LOU of tail

[Clodagh]

As you know we have Brandy, our old lab, she will be 14 later this year.
She’s very stiff behind and walks oddly, she seems fairly comfortable though, so far as I can tell. This last week though she doesn’t seem to be able to move her tail, it’s just hanging like she has cold tail. She therefore looks really sad. But, when you stroke or scratch her or rub her ears she is animated and playful, but no wag.
So maybe she isn’t sad but it’s linked to her hind end issues? She’s due for a check up in 2 weeks so I’m not rushing to the vet sooner. She can get up and down, eat, drink, squat easily to poo or wee and is continent. She has had a couple of wees in her bed overnight but we are stricter now about making her go when it’s biscuit and bed time. I just worry about her. All the time!

 

[Kat_Bath]

Poor Brandy ?? When you say "cold tail", is that related to/the same as swimmer's tail? Bit of a stupid question, I think, but never assume! Harvey once got "swimmer's" tail, even though he'd not been swimming, but it was back to normal the following day so we didn't have to do anything. I can't remember who I asked or what I read at the time but I'm sure it said could right itself in days or weeks... Not much help but hope she's wagging again very soon ??

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

At one point, Brig's tail was like this but came right after a week or so. It freaked me out to start with but he wasn't bothered. I'm sorry to say, but it was the beginning of deterioration behind-took months, so I think you have time. He became very stiff, unable to get up without help and eventually incontinent (both wee and poo). I hope your girl has ages and is comfortable.

 

[blackcob]

Does she have sensation? I feel terribly mean for suggesting this but if you give it a pinch, can she feel it?

My late big dog lost his tail movement as a consequence of cervical spondylopathy (the chronic form, with an eventual DM-like progression), but over a period of years rather than months or days and it was only so obvious as his tail was previously carried over his back.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I'd query a back/spine issue

 

[skinnydipper]

? lumbosacral disease.

I would bring vet appointment forward as she may be in pain.

 

[Clodagh]

Poor Brandy ?? When you say "cold tail", is that related to/the same as swimmer's tail? Bit of a stupid question, I think, but never assume! Harvey once got "swimmer's" tail, even though he'd not been swimming, but it was back to normal the following day so we didn't have to do anything. I can't remember who I asked or what I read at the time but I'm sure it said could right itself in days or weeks... Not much help but hope she's wagging again very soon ??

Yes cold tail is what I call swimmers tail. They e all had it at some point in their lives, Brandy actually had it as a young dog when she fell down the stairs backwards (don’t ask!).
She would have no reason to have it now, they really only get in, in my experience, from exertion/injury.

 

[Clodagh]

At one point, Brig's tail was like this but came right after a week or so. It freaked me out to start with but he wasn't bothered. I'm sorry to say, but it was the beginning of deterioration behind-took months, so I think you have time. He became very stiff, unable to get up without help and eventually incontinent (both wee and poo). I hope your girl has ages and is comfortable.

She’s been at the middle of the end journey for a while now, so I agree with you. Incontinence to us is an instant final vet visit for us, as is any difficulty in getting up.
A few months ago she was struggling but her pills were tweaked and it seemed to help.

 

[Clodagh]

Does she have sensation? I feel terribly mean for suggesting this but if you give it a pinch, can she feel it?

My late big dog lost his tail movement as a consequence of cervical spondylopathy (the chronic form, with an eventual DM-like progression), but over a period of years rather than months or days and it was only so obvious as his tail was previously carried over his back.

I can’t pinch it ?. I’ll make the vet appointment earlier and he can do it. ?

 

[Clodagh]

I'd query a back/spine issue

? lumbosacral disease.

I would bring vet appointment forward as she may be in pain.

Taken on board and will do. I want to see a specific man as he has seen her the other times, I’ll find out when he’s next in. ?

 

[Supercalifragilistic]

Our lab had this, it came on overnight and unfortunately did turn out to be something sinister (a tumour by the spine). With meds (gabapentin) she was able to have a couple more quality months and the movement in her tail came back, before the cancer unfortunately caused an issue elsewhere and we had to say goodbye. It was very sad, she was only 7.
Hopefully it’s not this in your case, but worth bringing that vet trip forward.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

It's very strange of you to post this today!! Yesterday evening I got home to be greeted by my black 11 year lab puffing and panting but very happy. It wasn't until she turned round I noticed her tail was curled between her legs. She was obviously panting in pain. She ate her tea and tried to settle but was sta little uncomfortable. This morning she was 50% better and This evening back to normal. Very strange.

 

[Thistle]

Bruce lost the use of his tail and hind limbs when his glands needed emptying. If he gets limber tail then A takes him to the vet to get him emptied, and has changed his diet which has helped too.

 

[Clodagh]

I thought I should update. Tbh she was touch and go for a while, shaky and only going as far as the edge of the lawn then back to bed. Vet didn’t change her meds, she upped one for a few days (she does get flattened by the others some times in spite of our best efforts).
Well she is now a new dog. Whether it’s spring arriving and a bit of sun but she’s coming round the paddock with us, wagging and looking for attention. She looks more upright and bright.

 

[AmyMay]

That’s absolutely the best news Clodagh. It’s doggy good news day, clearly ??

 

[Moobli]

What a lovely update. Good to hear.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

What an excellent update! I hope she carries on this well.

 

[Ratface]

What a relief - I'm so pleased for you, Clodagh!

 

[Clodagh]

We just met the neighbour who has a sane age lab and he too was trotting around merrily. There’s a lot to be said for dry weather. No one could say warm today!