-Photos- beagle with a bum tail

[macguy787]

Hi All,
My beagle is usually a happy go lucky dog with his tail ALWAYS up. 2 weeks ago, he jumped off the bed (at least this is how I think he did it) and hurt his back.

His tail is no longer wagging and it always droops. He can hold the base of it up when he relieves himself but hates to go upstairs and will now avoid it at all costs.

The forum won't let me post photos so please get back to me if you'd like to see x-rays and a photo of his tail. I will email them to you.

Can anyone help shed some info on why this might be happening? My vet mentioned that there's some minor calcification between 2 vertebrae but that shouldn't be causing the drooping tail.

[Blacksheep]

well if he hurt his back maybe he is getting some pressure when he does carry his tail up. xrays can't detect pain...maybe try raising it yourself. Does he look uncomfortable in any way?

[macguy787]

Thanks for the reply Blacksheep

Gus (beagle) doesn't show signs of discomfort when you straighten his tail.

I know though by his behaviour that something is up because typically he has lots of hop to his step and he'd rather stand than sit when he's healthy but now it's the opposite.

I'm pretty sure he tweaked his back but not certain if it's worthy of a chiropractic adjustment or further tests such as an MRI.

My concern is that this has been 2 weeks now and no improvement.

[Bina]

Gus's drooping tail is cause for concern. How old is he ?
If your vet is not pursuing this, you may need to find an orthopedic vet who will continue to try and help your boy. Dogs can hide pain until it gets out of hand and permanent damage is done.
Best wishes with this.

[wishbone]

Poor dog, does he take any pain killer? Hope he recover soon..

[Purple-Hops]

I am not ruling our pain, but usually happy dogs will exaggerate their pain for attention, but maybe he's psychologically hurt by the incident? And all the fuss you're making over him now?
Years ago a broom tipped over clocking Coco right on the head and for years he would refuse to walk past a standing broom. Even during play he would simply halt and carefully avoid it.

Another test is to gently-moderately press on all the segments in his tail one by one, oh my goodness talk to him and praise him for letting you do this!! and watch for any sensitivity in his body language. After wards give him a treat!

Maybe talk to your vet about a sample dose of Metacam. It kills pain. If you notice a difference in his behavior after it then ask for further treatment options. Bless and good luck!! Rooting for the little guy

[macguy787]

Thanks for all the warm felt responses.

Gus is going in for a CT scan to find out more about his condition. As well, a rx of metcam is waiting for him at the vet and I'll be giving it to him tomorrow.

I'll keep this thread updated.

[Bina]

Glad to hear that Gus will get meds and scan. Good Luck !