I've been really worried about Merlin's tail... He must have hurt it several weeks ago, either playing or else possibly just by hitting his tail against something (he wags his whole body and whips his tail from side to side VERY enthusiastically). When we first went to the vet a few weeks ago, it was painful and he had a course of Metacam and (where possible) rest for the tail. Yeah, right. Anyway, although it doesn't seem to be painful any more, there is a definite kink in his tail which hasn't gone even after several weeks, so yesterday I took him for an x-ray. I'm very, very happy to say his tail is not broken - the x-ray showed all the vertebrae looking good and all nicely in line, with the discs all in place too. There is however definite swelling in the soft tissue, causing the slightly wonky tail... I don't mind - a small bit of imperfection on my otherwise perfect puppy just makes me love him more! Maybe it'll straighten out with time, or maybe it'll stay the same, in which case we'll just call him Hideous Kinky (fans of Esther Freud will understand!). If it does stay wonky, I suppose that may have a knock-on effect as to whether I decide to use him as a stud dog or not (assuming all his health tests and so on are good) - owners of bitches are rightly VERY picky!! Anyway, I've been so worried about it, imagining the worst of course, so just wanted to post and share my relief! You can just see the slight kink in this photo, although the position of his body is really disguising it.
Ah, what a beautiful colour he is. And I love his very black nose Hopefully it will sort itself out, but if there is swelling, would that would indicate trauma, meaning it's probably not a genetic fault?
Yes, exactly, the vet ruled out a genetic fault. She did say she would be prepared to write to the breed association to confirm that, if there is any issue in the future.
What a lovely face. Hope the swelling goes down, given enough time. Glad it's not bothering him any more.
Beautiful handsome boy. Lilly's tail also is not totally straight. Didn't think anything of it to be honest. Hope it doesn't affect his future career.
Aw it adds character, Axel has a kink at the end of his tail There is also no break but I'm guessing he smacked it hard as a puppy.
Beautiful pup. One of my labs had a swollen area at base of her tail for awhile. Never figured out what caused it and it eventually resolved. She probably hit it too hard on something since it was always going 30 miles an hour wagging. Anyway, who cares if his tail is wonky? He's adorable!
Oh Karen, Merlin is certainly growing up to be a very handsome young man Aint nothing wrong with a wonky tail xx
