Monday, June 16, 2008

Broken Wag


We had a fabulous time at Cherry Lake without the kids....but Daisy Mae didn't....she has a "broken wag". (that's a heating pad on her tail)Here are the details:

"Cold water tail," "limber tail syndrome," "broken tail," "dead tail," "broken wag" are all euphemisms for a relatively common occurrence in sporting dogs. This episode appears to be a painful, but relatively benign affliction that can occur after swimming, after a heavy hunting day or after a bath with cold water or water that is too warm. It is not always associated with a swim or water, but can occur after a heavy day of work that may involve a lot of tail action. The majority of cases reported have been in sporting dogs or hounds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Setters, Pointers, Flatcoats, Foxhounds and Beagles. However, one source has cited a case in a Belgian Shepherd. Almost all dogs that suffer through an occurrence return to normal within a few days. Affected dogs may or may not have a repeat incidence during their lifetime. It has been described by the layman as a "sprain," fibrosis or a "cold in the tail." However, the affected dog is miserable at the onset and the tail is painful. The dog cannot raise its tail. It will be held horizontally for a few inches and then droops vertically.

She is laying on her pillow recovering.... Poor baby!

No comments: