Droopy Tail

Hi All, I've not long got back from the Vets with Pippin. When we went for walkie this morning everything was fine, Phil phoned me at work about 2 ish and said that Pips tail was drooping after the first 2 inches!! He wasn't 'himself' either. When I got home he ran to the door, the first 2 inches were wagging and the rest just flopping about!! So up to the vets. She said that he'd been kicked!!!!! or had been trodden on. Well the kicking is out of the question, he never goes anywhere without us so we would know if someone had kicked him - and so would they!!

He is in the kitchen with Tia whilst Phil is in bed, so I don't understand what's happened? He's had an injection and some steroids, and it doesn't hurt him, he just bites the flopping bit every now and again (as if he can't feel it)

Any ideas ?

I would guess: Water tail...

We've just had a post about it here recently....

Its a very common thing especially in waterdogs like the labrador.

Its kind of a sprain of the tail.. There's nothing else to do about it, than letting it heal on its own.. He should be back to his old self in a matter of a few days.

Thanks for that Jeanette, I'll have a look for that thread

Have to agree, think the vet is treating a condition that is not there, if this is the Lab it is a very common condition and will right it's self. Hope that is all it is.

Here's an old link..

Emma googled and found a good description:

http://www.dogweb.co.uk/talkdogs/sho...ght=water+tail

Luna had one a year ago.. She had been in water but not swimming.. And they can get this just by draft or being cold or any odd thing really

Sorry Jackie, I should have mentioned Pip is my Labrador. Would you say that I might be ok not to give the course of steroids then, I don't like giving them anyway ?

Just read that, many many thanks Jeanette, it was most informative. Pip and Tia have been in my daughters large pool at home over the last few days, which is cold water, so I'm pretty sure that's what it is now. Do you think it's OK not to give the steroids then ? (sorry, just asked Jackie the same question)

You dont have to give anything. The tail will be back to normal in a few days.
If your dog is in too much pain you can give iot something to take that away.
Make sure it stays warm and dry the next couple of days and you should be fine.

Best wishes

Thanks for your reassurance, Pip doesn't seem to be in any pain at all, when I arrived home, I felt all along his tail from base to tip, firmly, to see if there was any pain, and he never flinched.

The vet pressed very hard around his tail and - nothing
He does bite the floppy bit now and again, as if he can't feel it? but never cries out.

He is a bit 'out of sorts' though, looks miserable. I'll not give the steroids then, thanks again for your support

I would not give him anything....

Just make sure he keep the tail calm and warm as AMTS said... And he'll be fine in a matter of days.