by Christine O'Callaghan

Created on: May 18, 2008   Last Updated: July 09, 2010

Limber Tail Syndrome in Dogs

Limber tail syndrome is a fairly common affliction among sporting dogs. Known by a variety of names (including "cold water tail", "frozen tail", "dead tail", "rudder tail", "broken wag", or "flaccid tail syndrome"), limber tail generally affects dogs between the ages of six months and nine years.

Which Breeds Are Affected?
Limber tail can affect any "working" breed. Here are the breeds in which it is most commonly seen:

-English Pointers
-English Setters
-Irish Setters
-Foxhounds
-Beagles
-Labrador Retrievers

What Is It?
Limber tail involves pain at the tail base and a flaccid tail that appears to be broken. The tail either hangs straight down or is held horizontally for a few inches and then drops down. An affected dog's tail will remain in this position even when the dog is moving. A dog with limber tail will often be reluctant to sit and may generally seem uncomfortable. In some dogs, limber tail will result in elimination from competition, as it causes them to carry their tail abnormally. Both males and females are affected.

What Causes It?
Although the exact cause of limber tail is not known, there are several things associated with its onset:
-Hard workouts (especially in previously unconditioned dogs)
-Heavy hunting
-Swimming or bathing in water that is too cold or too warm
-Cold, wet weather
-Cage transport

Studies of dogs with limber tail begun in 1997 concluded that limber tail results from damage to the muscles of the tail. A dog's tail muscles are located in a small space surrounding the tail's bones, and both are covered with a layer of dense connective tissue. Bone and connective tissue are not flexible, leaving no room for active tail muscles to expand. This results in a tourniquet effect, which restricts blood flow. Decreased blood flow deprives the muscle cells of oxygen, which in turn causes muscle pain and dysfunction.

Treatment
Although painful, limber tail is a fairly benign condition from which complete recovery usually takes two to three weeks (although it may occur within a few days). The following will help:
-Rest
-Anti-inflammatory medication
-Warm packs at the tail base

Prevention
There are several things to keep in mind that could prevent limber tail:
-Dogs should be conditioned gradually before a competition or hunting season.
-A dog's bedding should be kept dry, especially in wet, cold weather.
-Dogs should be kept in crates that allow for movement. When traveling, dogs should be let out of their crate to stretch at least every two hours.

Learn more about this author, Christine O'Callaghan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.