by Megan As Well

Created on: May 16, 2008   Last Updated: July 11, 2008

If your hunting or sporting dog's tail is not wagging like its usual self, your dog may have developed a medical condition known as Limber Tail Syndrome. Also known as "dead tail" or "cold water tail", is a condition that affects hunting and sporting dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers (including Goldies), Beagles, Foxhounds, English Pointers, and English Setters. Most of the information available about this syndrome online says the same exact thing. Limber tail syndrome is not common and not serious, so if your pet develops it, do not worry too much.

Symptoms and Causes
A "dead" tail sticks out three or four inches, then drops straight down. It may look "clamped" to the body. Your dog may not be in excruciating pain, but he may be sore or uncomfortable. It is usually found in dogs older than six months old, but not older than nine (human) years. Males are more frequently affected, though it is not rare for a female to suddenly develop it. Though scientists and veterinarians are still researching this condition more thoroughly, it is known that the condition is associated with strenuous exercise (especially in unconditioned dogs), heavy hunting and swimming, cage transport, and cold, wet living conditions.

In some breeds, such as Pointers, it is commonplace for the tail to be docked (cut short before three days of age. This is just a breed standard. Breeders can choose whether or not to dock the tails of the pups.) but it is unknown whether the docking has anything to do with this syndrome.

What You Can Do
As with any medical condition, there is nothing better than prevention. As humans have to slowly build muscle and get fit over time, so do dogs. Do not push your dog into strenuous activities if he or she cannot honestly handle it, but be sure your dog gets proper exercise on a daily basis.

The best known treatment for Limber tail syndrome is rest. Most cases spontaneously correct themselves in a few days, though more serious cases can last up to a few weeks. In serious circumstances, see your veterinarian. Some people put warm packs at the base of the tail to ease discomfort, but it is not medically proven to have any effect to this day. Other cases have tried antibiotics, aspirin, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory agents. But again, none of these have been officially proven to work.

Do not panic. Though some muscle damage has been associated with Limber tail syndrome, no nerve damage will be caused. Your dog may be uncomfortable for a few days, but he or she should make a quick, easy recovery.

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