Hurt tail...in 6 year old

Saara · #1 25th June 2012, 07:33 AM

Roxy was happy go lucky the past few days, although we have been traveling the past 2 days. All of a sudden last night her tail was clamped down and there has been no nub wagging. Even for morning kisses with my niece, who she just adores. She seems to be in pain, although she can still lift it to do a number 2. She has also been lifting one of her back legs more often.

Some history, a few weeks back we were on a walk and Roxy stopped so I walked into her, this "stubbed her nub" and she pulled it down and seemed uncomfortable for a few minutes, but everything went back to normal after about 5 minutes or so.

Any help or advice is appreciated, I have read about "cold tail, dead tail, limp tail" it says, "Cases have been reported after long periods of being in the same position, such as being in a crate" maybe this is the case because we have been traveling for 2 days. "Sites also say "Rest is usually curative in a few days".

I would like to take her to the vet, but am curious to know if anyone has been through this. Reason being, I know they cannot do much for a tail injury, and she has pancreatitis so I do not like to give her any pain medication that is hard on her liver and pancreas (which many pain medication is). If this persists for more than a day we are heading to the vet (grrr...we are visiting, so I have to cross my fingers there is a good vet here).

Thanks,
Saara

Gatorblu · #2 25th June 2012, 07:48 AM

I am sorry your pup is hurting! I haven't dealt with a tail issue, and I would wonder if it is more a hip issue since Roxi is holding her leg up as well. As for the pain meds and pancreatits, that I can help with. My boy Thor has pancreatits and arthritis, so pain is too often an issue. For him we give tramadol. It is not an NSAID (which he has always had an intolerance for) so it works much better for him.

As for finding a good vet, go online and look for local reviews. They are a great tool especially when traveling. Healing ((((vibes)))) to Roxi!

Saara · #3 25th June 2012, 08:07 AM

New finding: Roxy only lifts her leg when she is excited, she seems to be doing this while kidney beaning and is making up for not being able to wag her nub. Have been watching her more closely now.

Saara · #4 25th June 2012, 08:12 AM

Gatorblu, thanks for the info. Can you tell me the dosage you give Thor of the tramadol?
Saara

Gatorblu · #5 25th June 2012, 09:57 AM

He is 80 lbs and gets 50 mg when needed. Thankfully with warmer dryer weather he doesn't need it. But in the winter cold he gets it twice a day.

Saara · #6 1st July 2012, 10:12 AM

Roxy had "limber tail, or dead tail" as they call it and it improved within a day or so. Full recovery is expected within 14 days. She can wag it and seems to very happy and back to her old self again. It just seems to be a little odd shaped until it completely heals. Like it has a little curve in it.
Saara

Gatorblu · #7 1st July 2012, 11:03 AM

Glad she is doing better!