A dog’s tail has a number of jobs, it is used to indicate to us or to other dogs how they are feeling. It is used as a balancing aid when running or standing. And can be used to help with steering when swimming. Therefore, having a limp tail is very noticeable and can affect the dog’s behaviour more than you may expect.
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What‘s limber tail?
Limber tail, also known as rudder tail, swimmers tail, or broken wag, is something that is commonly seen in working dogs such as Labradors, Retrievers and Pointers. The official term is acute caudal myopathy. It occurs due to an injury of the tail, resulting in swelling and pain around the base of the tail.
What are the signs of limber tail?
The most common sign is for the tail to be completely down and not wagging, rather than at the usual carrying position. However, signs may be different in different dogs and can include a partially limp tail, where the tail is held straight out but is then limp halfway along.
Lethargy, whimpering or crying in pain can also be seen and may be mistaken for other injuries or illnesses.
What can cause limber tail?
Often we see the signs after the dog has been swimming. But it has also been associated with exposure to cold weather or prolonged crate confinement.
Why does it happen?
The exact cause of limber tail is unknown. It is thought that it could be related to narrowing of the space around the spinal cord; which can be related to disc disease or degeneration of the joint spaces in the spine. There may have been previous trauma to the tail that has gone unnoticed. It is often associated with overuse of the tail, which can especially occur when the dog is using their tail to steer when swimming.
How can it be prevented?
If your dog is prone to this condition it may be best to avoid them swimming. Especially if the water is cold or if they will be doing it for long periods. If your dog is a working dog, you may find that the condition is more likely to occur at the start of the season. And therefore ensuring your dog is fit enough at the start of the season is important. This can be done by slowly building up the length of time that your dog is exercising for, in order to improve their strength and stamina.
Contacting a physiotherapist to ask for advice on strengthening exercises can be very beneficial. Taking frequent breaks during a working day and not going out for full days at first can be a good idea, monitoring your dog for any changes in gait or reluctance to jump is also important as it may indicate more severe disease.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
If you notice the signs associated with limber tail, it is important to take your dog to the vet. They will then perform a thorough examination (including an orthopaedic and neurological examination) to determine why your dog’s tail is not performing as it usually would. In some cases, your vet may recommend taking x-rays of the tail and spine to rule out other more serious conditions. Often your vet will prescribe medications that provide anti-inflammatory action and pain relief to help to improve your dog’s signs and encourage recovery from the condition. They may also recommend resting your dog. And avoiding any excitement, which may cause the dog to try and move the tail too much. Ice packs can also be placed around the tail base to help to reduce any swelling or pain.
What else could a limp tail indicate?
There are a few other conditions that can cause your dog to hold their tail in an abnormal position, including; tail fracture, tumours, impacted anal glands, spinal disease (such as a slipped disc) and prostate disease. These conditions can be more serious than limber tail. Therefore a thorough examination by a veterinary surgeon is recommended, to ensure that they are ruled out and your dog isn’t struggling with another condition.
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