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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
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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
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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
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Beagle with injured tail / back
Super!
Jo Wolf Martinez, Georgia, USA |
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