Understanding Cold-water Tail in Dogs

It is undeniable: dogs love water. In the dog days of summer, nothing beats doggie paddling around the pool to cool off. For the most part, swimming is an enjoyable activity or people and pets alike, but there are also those darned dangers to keep in mind.

One ailment that dogs can fall victim to is called cold-water tail, also known as limber tail syndrome, dead tail, or broken wag. It specifically affects dogs of the hunting and sporting breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, German Pointers, English Pointers, English Setters, Weimaraners, Foxhounds, Beagles, and Jack Russell Terriers.

Males are much more frequently affected than females. The age range is six months to five years, averaging at age two. Fortunately, cold-water tail is rare, but every owner should be able to recognize the symptoms.

Symptoms

A "dead" tail will stick horizontally out for a few inches, then point straight downward. It appears "clamped" to the dog's body, and may even appear broken. However, an X-ray would reveal no fractures or breaks.

The dog will experience pain and discomfort, and in serious cases, muscle damage may occur. Sometimes there is swelling around the base of the tail, so never touch, rub, or poke it, as it is very painful to the dog.

Fortunately, recovery time is usually no longer than two weeks.

Causes

The most common cause of cold-water is overexposure to cold, wet weather or swimming in cold water, sometimes in combination with field hunting. It is simply a matter of strain to the tail muscles, caused by overexertion (through tough workouts or, rarely, too much wagging) and cold water. Bathing in icy water is a cause, but surprisingly so is bathing in too-hot water.

Even if your dog is an indoor dog that never goes swimming, he or she is still not immune. Cold-water tail is also caused by confinement to a crate that is too small for a long period of time.

Treatment