2 of 8

Write now Article Tools

"Take this *#%*$&# dog. His tail is broken and I can't see it in the weeds." The mad dropped the leash and stormed out of the animal shelter.

Moving from behind the in-take desk, I went to check on the dog. He was sitting quietly, unaffected by his owner's loud outburst. He was a beautiful chocolate Labrador Retriever with a bright red collar. I approached him slowly and quietly. His bright eyes watched, but his tail didn't wag. This could be a sign he wasn't friendly. I held out my hand and said "Come here, boy." He calmly got up and walked over to me; he rubbed his huge head on my hand. Realizing he was friendly, I knelt down beside him and began petting him. I picked up the leash and led him behind the desk.

The silver metal bone on his collar read, "Jack." He took the treat I offered him. He then held up a paw. I assumed he was asking for a treat.

"Is his tail really broken?" a volunteer asked me. I shrugged my shoulders. I didn't know anything about broken tails in dogs.

That was the last time I ever said that. Jack became my special project. Normally, I worked in my office down the hall, but I found myself in the shelter's veterinary clinic more and more. I wanted to learn more about Jack and his broken tail.

"Yep, he's got broken wag," Dr. Morgan told me after looking at his tail for about three seconds.

"What is that?" I asked. Dr. Morgan began his explanation.

Broken wag, as he called it, was more commonly known as limber tail syndrome. It was also referred to as "cold water tail" and "limp tail." It was fairly common in working dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Setters and English Pointers, and Irish Setters. Working hounds like Beagles, Coonhounds and Foxhounds were also prone to develop this ailment.

Jack's poor tail. It looked normal for the first few inches of his body, but then it suddenly was bent. It looked like a broken pencil that was not yet in two pieces.

"Why did someone break his tail?" I asked, ever sensitive to all the animals we saw on a daily basis that were abused and neglected. "Are you going to put it in a cast?"

Dr. Morgan smiled. He was use to my questions and explained things in terms I could understand - not be an expert on all animal-related topics. "It isn't actually broken, like a bone. It is more like a tired tail. Chances are that he has been over-worked - hunting too much."

"The man did say he couldn't see his tail in the weeds.." A light flashed in my head. "It is duck season."

"They

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Limber tail syndrome in dogs?
We want to hear your view. Write now!