Tail Problem???

UrbanBeagles

Ok, this is one I haven't seen before. Was wondering if anyone had any clue as to what could be the problem here ...

My 5yo healthy as a horse Beagle bitch was in the yard today, she was the only dog out & I was right outside with her. I know for certain she was not injured in any way. When I let her inside, I notice that while walking up the stairs, she is holding her tail in an odd position. It's straight down - she will not hold it up for anything - and also about halfway down the tail she is holding it curved sideways When I hold up her tail she looks very uncomfortable and keeps the tail stiff as I try to manually straighten it. Not crying or whining but it's obvious she's not happy about it.

I've had her on 250mg of amoxicillin for 3 days as prevention, because her pups (7 weeks) came down with a bit of a stomach bug, which I did not want her to catch. So momma & pups were on antibiotics. I don't know if that has any relation to this new problem w/ the tail, but thought it may be worth mentioning. Also, I've had the feeling this dog was not herself the past few weeks. She escaped from the yard about 2 weeks ago and deliberately walked off in the opposite direction when I called her. Yeah, Beagle. However, not normal Heidi behavior. I had to go seraching for her & found her across the street ... at which time she did come over to me.

I am thinking she may be in pain, the first thing that came to mind was maybe spinal problems. But have had a few dogs w/ back probs and they have not done this with the tail. They usually just have a limp that worsens. Any ideas?

spotted nikes

Back injuries can cause the tail thing. Also dogs can break the tail vertabrae which is painful. Having a vet ck it out would probably be best.

Chrystine

My sister's beagle, Bob, had spinal problems that required 2 surgeries and both times his tail hung strangly and looked kind of bent. I would definitely have the vet x-ray her back and see if everything is okay.

It took us awhile to get to the bottom of Bob's problem so I would say it's better to have it checked out andd ruled out than let her go on suffering.

mylittlebecky

you've probably already gone to the vet, but here's some info on "limber tail" you might find useful. hope she's feeling better!

UrbanBeagles

Thanks everyone for the replies
We have a Vet appointment for another dog on Friday, so will be taking Heidi along with him. I have had other Beagles with spinal issues, primarily slipped discs. That was my first thought, but so far I have not noticed any pain or stiffless, limping or "off" gait that accompanies injured or slipped discs. To the best of my knowledge there have been no incidences of disc disease in this particular bloodline, so I am keeping all paws crossed that it stays that way. And watching her like a hawk for any signs of spinal problems ...

That article about limp tail was very interesting. I will have to bring it up to the Vet. It makes sense that it could be related to loss of muscle mass because she just had to be pulled off a litter of pups about 2 weeks ago, they were draining her so badly. She loves her pups, and unfortunately, that meant she was sneaking into their pen to nurse them and letting 6 week old pups nurse as often as 3 week old pups Good for our FAT puppers, but not good for poor Heidi. I've been trying to get weight on her but the problem was made worse by an intestinal bug she recently caught. So more weight loss, and yes, there is a definite loss of muscle mass even though I have managed to get some fat on her. So the muscle loss/limp tail theiry seems to be a viable one. I have ordered a high protein food for her & crossing my fingers it helps.

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