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Beagle with injured tail / back



 
 
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  #1  
Old October 5th 11, 05:43 AM posted to rec.pets.dogs.breeds
highflyr
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Posts: 6
Default Beagle with injured tail / back

Hi All,
My beagle is usually a happy go lucky dog with his tail ALWAYS up. 2
weeks ago, he jumped off the bed (at least this is how I think he did
it) and hurt his back. His tail is no longer wagging and it always
droops. He can hold the base of it up when he relieves himself but
hates to go upstairs and will now avoid it at all costs.

Here are some photos:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15945493/xray1.png
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15945493/xray2.png
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15945493/gustail.jpg

Can anyone help shed some info on why this might be happening? My vet
mentioned that there's some minor calcification between 2 vertebrae
but that shouldn't be causing the drooping tail.

He has had NO walks or rigorous physical activity. His hind legs tend
to shake a lot when he is standing on all fours.

Please send me an email if you can help with this.
  #2  
Old October 5th 11, 08:58 PM posted to rec.pets.dogs.breeds
Jo Wolf
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Posts: 479
Default Beagle with injured tail / back

There is a problem called "cold tail", mostly seen in gundogs, like the
retrievers, that results in a tail that just hangs down, no wagging. It
it's classical form, it's from prolonged exposure to very cold water
(when retrieving ducks in cold, late fall weather). It can also happen
when the tail takes a hit (jumping off the bed?). In both cases, the
tail end of the spinal cord gets a bit "bruised". My understanding is
that it clears up with time.... and care to avoid further injury....
A possibility..... and I don't recall anyone mentioning weakness in the
rear legs along with cold tail....

Just from what you say your vet told you, and what you describe, It
COULD be (but may not be) that the calcification between those vertebrae
caused some pressure on major nerves exiting the spinal cord at that
level or the cord itself when/if the dog jumped off the bed or fell off
the bed and landed wrong in either case.... Both the rear end weakness
and facid tail may improve.... or not.

In either case, rest with supervised or supported walking should help.
To support a dog of this size, sling a wide strap of some type under the
dog's stomach (not chest), just in front of the back legs, to carry part
of the dog's weight.... for the time being.

Steps/stairs will be difficult and probably painful for him for some
time. You could (perhaps should) carry him.... but NOT draped over an
arm. His back should be kept straight to avoid further damage. Until
he is moving more normally..... and he will need support on the steps,
as well as on the flat.

Consider a vet chiropractor or vet accupuncturist for evaluation and
possible treatment if available in your area. Warm water walking on a
treadmill or swimming is often used to maintain muscle strength by vets
who specialize in sports rehabilitation.... often in conjuction with
accupuncture or chiropractic adjustment. An animal massage therapist
may also be included in the treatment plan.

Soft tissue injuries heal SLOWLY.

Jo Wolf
Martinez, Georgia, USA

  #3  
Old October 5th 11, 11:41 PM posted to rec.pets.dogs.breeds
highflyr
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6
Default Beagle with injured tail / back

Jo,

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the advice. I have called my
chiropractor who's also certified for veterinary adjustments and
waiting to get Gus (beagle) some treatments.

I'll keep this thread posted with updates in the days to follow.

Edward
Edmonton, AB, Canada

On Oct 5, 1:58*pm, (Jo Wolf) wrote:
There is a problem called "cold tail", mostly seen in gundogs, like the
retrievers, that results in a tail that just hangs down, no wagging. *It
it's classical form, it's from prolonged exposure to very cold water
(when retrieving ducks in cold, late fall weather). *It can also happen
when the tail takes a hit (jumping off the bed?). *In both cases, the
tail end of the spinal cord gets a bit "bruised". *My understanding is
that it clears up with time.... and care to avoid further injury....
A possibility..... and I don't recall anyone mentioning weakness in the
rear legs along with cold tail....

Just from what you say your vet told you, and what you describe, It
COULD be (but may not be) that the calcification between those vertebrae
caused some pressure on major nerves exiting the spinal cord at that
level or the cord itself when/if the dog jumped off the bed or fell off
the bed and landed wrong in either case.... *Both the rear end weakness
and facid tail may improve.... or not.

In either case, rest with supervised or supported walking should help.
To support a dog of this size, sling a wide strap of some type under the
dog's stomach (not chest), just in front of the back legs, to carry part
of the dog's weight.... for the time being.

Steps/stairs will be difficult and probably painful for him for some
time. *You could (perhaps should) carry him.... but NOT draped over an
arm. *His back should be kept straight to avoid further damage. *Until
he is moving more normally..... and he will need support on the steps,
as well as on the flat.

Consider a vet chiropractor or vet accupuncturist for evaluation and
possible treatment if available in your area. *Warm water walking on a
treadmill or swimming is often used to maintain muscle strength by vets
who specialize in sports rehabilitation.... often in conjuction with
accupuncture or chiropractic adjustment. *An animal massage therapist
may also be included in the treatment plan.

Soft tissue injuries heal SLOWLY.

Jo Wolf
Martinez, Georgia, USA


  #4  
Old October 6th 11, 06:43 AM posted to rec.pets.dogs.breeds
Jo Wolf
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 479
Default Beagle with injured tail / back

Super!

Jo Wolf
Martinez, Georgia, USA

 




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