Tail Deformity

[hugglebears]

I am after people's advice on potential health issues of a deformed tail. This saint bernard puppy has been born with a fish hook shaped tail. The vet thinks that it may have been wrapped around his leg in utero. In all other ways he is a good strong pup. What I am wanting advice on is if his tail will cause him problems as he grows? As the tail is an extension of the vertebrae will it be causing him any pain or discomfort? Will he need to have it docked later on? I know absolutely nothing about this topic and google searches haven't come up with anything either

[JRG]

I once had a spaniel pup like this. It was fascinating because if you laid him in the foetal position it automatically hooked round his back leg and the markings on his tail and on his hock were continuous showing exactly how he developed in utero.

I am sure it did not hurt him, but, yes, I got it docked.

[persephone]

I am after people's advice on potential health issues of a deformed tail. This saint bernard puppy has been born with a fish hook shaped tail. The vet thinks that it may have been wrapped around his leg in utero. In all other ways he is a good strong pup. What I am wanting advice on is if his tail will cause him problems as he grows? As the tail is an extension of the vertebrae will it be causing him any pain or discomfort? Will he need to have it docked later on? I know absolutely nothing about this topic and google searches haven't come up with anything either

I suggest you seek advice from a specialist ..maybe a neurosurgeon , or orthopaedic vet?

[Kirislin]

I know someone with a dog with a similar tail. The dog is an adult now and I'm not sure if the tail has been a problem. When it was little it got caught a couple of times but there was always someone there to unhook it. I would suggest asking the vet for advice. Perhaps it might be safest to remove the bent bit but see what the vet thinks. If you did go down that route, make sure you take photos of the tail before, just incase someone accuses you of tail docking unnecessarily although St Bernards aren't a traditionally docked breed.

[Rebanne]

I had a pup born with a double kink at the end of the tail. Was going to cause lots of problems so had it docked. Most people would never know, the tail was just shortened a bit. If your pup had been mine I would have had it docked. Docked doesn't mean cut it off close to the body either.

[Rebanne]

Oops

Edited June 10, 2016 by Rebanne