Our question this week was:

My Vet said my dog may have Limber Tail Syndrome. Can you tell me more about this?

A. Beck

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. Limber tail syndrome is a condition resulting in tail dysfunction. It is a condition of hunting dogs, most commonly young adult male pointers. It can occur in dogs from 9 months to 10 years old but most commonly occurs in dogs around 2 years of age.

The result of this condition is that they have a lower than normal tail set. This often disqualifies them from competition.

There is a lot unknown about his condition. I never even heard about it in vet school.
No one knows why it occurs but is often associated with a recent hard workout with the past 48 hours, transportation in crate, cold weather and/or wet weather.

Some dogs are also painful around the base of the tail. Complete recovery generally occurs within 2 weeks with some dogs recovering within a few days. About one third of dogs can experience a recurrence.


Best of luck!


Dr. Jon


P.S. Does anyone have a lot of experience with Lumber Tail Syndrome to share? Email me!



To read most recent questions Click here!

Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Jon Questions and Answers!