Tail tone - how soft is too soft?

[BBP]

BBP had a neuro assessment the other day. Passed all of the ‘Do you know where your feet are?’ tests, circling, rein back, poles, step up etc. No signs of neuro deficit with regard to proprioception. But so weak in his hind quarters and tail. His tail is very soft and mobile, he can move it/lift it, so it isn’t limp, but he doesn’t clamp it down if you tickle under it. And pulling sideways at the walk was very easy to unbalance him. So no strength in his hind quarters. Vets are debating if neck and back facet joint Xrays are worth it as they don’t think it’s a neuro thing but can’t be 100%. I’m not sure what else would cause the weakness behind, it ties in with his issues getting up.

So I’m just wondering if the soft tail is significant, if it can be muscular in nature rather than a neuro thing. Just pondering really whilst I wait for the next thoughts from my vet.

 

[shortstuff99]

Did you identify him as being hypermobile? Could be related to that if he is especially bendy there?

 

[BBP]

You could be right there. I certainly think he’s got hypermobile hind fetlocks so if it’s systemic then the tail could be similarly lax.

 

[Goldenstar]

This happened to Hero after he decided to climb on a bank better suited to a small pony and fell .
He lost tail tone completely at first and then intermittently.
he had all sorts of tests in the end it was decided he had inflammation in the back of the back and pelvic area causing pressure on the nerves .
he was treated with BUTE and later had some steroids into his back .
he has returned to work but still gets intermittent flabby tail moments he can always work his tail it he needs to .
Coming away from this he has developed some asymmetry in the muscles behind the wither we are working him to comfort and downgrading our expectations of what he will be able to do ( hence the purchase of the blue cob last week).
I have stopped major spending on the vet now and concentrating on monthly physio to track what’s going on .
I am not sure where we will come out .

 

[BBP]

This happened to Hero after he decided to climb on a bank better suited to a small pony and fell .
He lost tail tone completely at first and then intermittently.
he had all sorts of tests in the end it was decided he had inflammation in the back of the back and pelvic area causing pressure on the nerves .
he was treated with BUTE and later had some steroids into his back .
he has returned to work but still get intermittent flabby tail moments he can always work his tail it he needs to .
Coming away from this he has developed some asymmetry in the muscles behind the wither we are working him to comfort and downgrading our expectations of what he will be able to do ( hence the purchase of the blue cob last week).
I have stopped major spending on the vet now and concentrating on monthly physio to track what’s going on .
I am not sure where we will come out .

That’s interesting to know, thank you. I hope he keeps making progress.

10 days ago I was positive it was PTS time but he seems to have turned a corner and made some huge improvements despite running around at every opportunity like the bonkers little beast he is. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed.