Tails are one of the most important features of a dog’s physical anatomy as it serves a number of functions.Wagging tails is a sort of communication device among the dog world, so a canine that does not wag its tail is a cause for worry. If symptoms are serious then a visit to the veterinary clinic is essential for the treatment of fractures.The tail is a critical part of a dog’s anatomy and is an extension of the spine. The tailbone is much larger at the base of the tail and narrows towards the tip. Soft discs that cushion areas along the tail permit flexibility. Numerous nerves and muscles that are present in the tail allow for the wag. This complicated tail shape of, which is made up of bone, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, can be injured quite easily. If there is a break at the base of the tail, there could be damage to nerves, necessitating consultation with a vet. After reading about symptoms of tail injuries and their treatment, read about how to clean dogs eyes and how to clean a dog wound.How do dogs break their tails?Further in this article you will learn how to treat a broken tail and how to take care of your pet when he’s hurting. You may wonder what causes tail injury in dogs. Keep reading to understand different things that can injure your canine’s tail.Like all other bones, the caudal vertebrae can break. Most often, a broken tail occurs when a dog is hit by a car, falls off a porch or bed, or is hit on the tail by a door. The location of the fracture has a lot to do with its severity. These injuries are associated with overuse, but can also be caused bySwimmingProlonged confinement in a cageExposure to coldExcessive exercise without proper conditioningClimatic changesExcessive huntingSwimming is the most common cause of a floppy tail, possibly due to cold water conditions and abnormal movement. When swimming, dogs use their tails to aid balance and direction, resulting in excessive exertion compared to their activities on land.Symptoms Of A Tail InjuryAre you used to your canine greeting you with an enthusiastic tail wag when you reach home after a long day of work or offer it a treat? However, these days you notice something appears off with your dog’s tail. There might be an underlying clinical problem that might require a medical diagnosis.Signs of a damaged tail include swelling, bending, and a kink in the tail. The animal would possibly have trouble shifting or wagging its tail or is keeping it in an uncommon position. Dogs frequently lick to appease wounds, so be careful if your pet’s tongue and tail have grown to be inseparable. If your canine is whimpering or appears to be in pain, it is commonly indicative of an extreme problem. Symptoms you may see that might mean tail trauma on your canine include the following:SwellingAbrasions or bleeding or an ulcer-type lesion which bleeds’Out of joint’ look everywhere along the length of the tail signaling damage or fractureUnusual tail set: the tail is limp, completely straight or is inflexible both in its whole length or in part of the lengthA droopy tailA tail that does not wagChanges in the canine’s gaitUnusual behaviorBitingHow do you check if a dog’s tail is broken?A limp tail is a condition that usually influences running and athletic puppies; however, it can arise in any kind or breed of canine. As the name implies, a limp tail results in a canine not being able to move its tail, alternatively, having to dangle it. There are some ways you can notice if your dog has a limp tail.Lack of tail waggingA limp, striking tail between the legsA painful tailCrying or whining, different behaviorBiting or licking the tailDifficulty squatting to urinate or defecateReluctance to eatSigns of abrasion on the tailHow can you differentiate between a dislocation and fracture?A limp tail may also suggest a dislocation or a fracture. You might wonder how to distinguish between these two kinds of injury; read further to find out.Breaks and dislocations are some of the most serious tail problems that dogs can suffer from. These injuries are common from stepping on a dog’s tail, closing a door, or pulling (do not pull on the tail). If there is a fracture, one or more vertebrae break; if there is a dislocation, two or more vertebrae separate.Broken or dislocated tails are often extremely painful, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Since it is generally not possible to put a cast on an animal, treatment options are relatively limited. Still, broken and dislocated tails often heal with time, rest, and protection. However, tails will often be permanently twisted in the injured area.Dislocations are more critical accidents than sprains and are a lot more excruciating. Dislocated tails can be distinguished from damaged tails due to the fact that in a dislocation the vertebrae get separated. When the tail breaks, the vertebrae bones get fractured. Neither damage to bones is good news.While tails do not maintain any critical organs, any damage in your canine’s straight tail may be serious in addition to being painful!Broken tails can be very difficult to treat at home. Fractured tail bones will start to regrow rapidly after breaking. But if the tail is not immobilized it might lead to vertebrae developing incorrectly and bring about an everlasting kink. Your canine’s tail will want to be reset as quickly as feasible to heal properly. You may also want remedies to ease your dog’s pain.If you suspect your canine has damaged or dislocated its tail, seek advice from your veterinarian.How do you treat a dog’s tail injury?Seeing your adorable and beloved friend hurt can be really upsetting. While we don’t suggest not taking your dog to the vet, there are a number of things you can do to help your buddy as a first aid to help with faster healing.Sometimes bandaging the injured area along with giving your dog antibiotics and pain relievers can prevent infection, calm nerves, and allow the tail to heal. In severe and chronic cases where the wiggling does not stop and the injury does not heal, surgical tail shortening is the best solution. Infection is usually not a problem, but it is best to quickly clean the tail. The simplest and most effective technique is to immerse the tail in a pot of cold water for a few minutes. The cold water flushes the wound, helps stop bleeding, and relieves inflammation. Then try to gently dry the tail with a clean, dry cloth.Pass a clean cotton tube over the end of the tail. It should be long enough to cover about 70 percent of the length of the tail. For puppies, a child-sized sock may work best.Next, wrap ribbon or gauze over the sock and around the body, starting at the tip of the tail and working toward the body in a diagonal crisscross pattern. Make sure the tape passes two inches past the cuff of the sock and directly onto the skin. Change bandages at least every three days or more often if they get wet or dirty to avoid skin infection. Apply Neosporin to the area each time you change the dressing.Make some changes to the dog’s environment to prevent a repeat trauma to the tail. Be aware that if you injure the pup’s tail, the risk of injury (and household damage) increases once your dog grows up.How much does it cost to fix a dog’s broken tail?It is common knowledge that a trip to the veterinarian can be expensive and without insurance the cost can take a huge toll on your pocketbook, but it is also true that you can’t let your injured buddy suffer alone, so here’s what you can expect in case of such an emergency.A simple fracture, unlike a completely broken tail, usually heals itself at home with time. Even if you decide to take your pet to the vet for bandages, it might cost you somewhere between 20-100 dollars per visit. But if the injury is severe and your dog is in extreme pain, the vet might suggest getting your dog’s tail docked or amputated. People get their pet’s tail docked for cosmetic reasons as well, which is an illegal practice in many parts of the world. Medical caudectomy is a bit more complicated. The procedure must be performed by an ACVS board certified veterinarian. Removing the tail can often resolve serious injuries or infections that affect it. Some areas only allow caudectomy for medical reasons. The average cost for limb amputation is $700-$1,000. Prices can vary depending on whether a debilitated patient needs IV fluids while under anesthesia and other special care. The cost of recovery pain relief ranges from $12 to $40, while a typical course of antibiotics is $17 to $40, depending on the size of the dog and the antibiotic chosen.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for can a dog break its tail then take a look at how to get rid of dog dandruff, or Polish lowland sheepdog facts.
Tails are one of the most important features of a dog’s physical anatomy as it serves a number of functions.
