Luca's Tail

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am sorry to have more sad news for DK but at least Luca is OK now. As I wrote several weeks ago Luca’s tail was broken. Although I don’t know it for a fact, I think it happened at the groomer’s although she denied anything happened. The vet saw him and when she shaved part of his tail there were also areas where the skin was wounded. At any rate he was bandaged, had antibiotics and this went on. Luca managed to pull off the bandages on several occasions and the end of his tail hung sadly. But I did not like the way things looked and one open area of his skin did not heal. He seemed fine except for an occasional yelp when he moved certain ways or something.

I went to the vet last Friday and she too was concerned. We agreed he should have x-rays under anesthesia and then a decision on what to do would be made. On Monday we found out he actually had three fractured vertebrae in his tail and two fractures were displaced. The end of his tail was still viable but the wound was not healing. I had to decide whether to continue what we were doing but we had done that for over 3 weeks and there was no reason to believe we would be more successful. The vet said tail splints are not good options for dogs and the only other choice would have been to have plates inserted in his vertebrae and she did not recommend this. So with difficulty, I decided to let the vet go ahead with the amputation of the end of Luca’s beautiful tail. She removed seven vertebrae but some were tiny.  He has been a trooper and I think he is more comfortable than he has been.

He went in for a dressing change today. I saw the x-rays for myself and I realize that there really was no way this would have ever healed without major surgical intervention if then. I am sorry I did not insist on x-rays sooner. Once his hair grows back I think he will look fine. Tomorrow is Luca's birthday and we will celebrate that he will soon be well.

UPDATE 3/21/13

After about 10 days Luca had his sutures removed today. I took off his bandages Monday. He is getting some fuzz on the shaved part of  his tail. He had two areas where I think he had a reaction to the strips of tape they use under the vet wrap but they have scabbed over. He is now back to normal dog things without bandages and tail "raincoats" in bad weather. He finished his antibiotics today. The first go round I gave him yogurt but I don't think it mad a a bit of difference. This last 10 days I did not give him anything and his poop was somewhat soft for him but no problem. Luca and I thank everyone for their support and good wishes : )

[Charlotte and Bo]

  oops - He will be (not being)

 

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

I'm so sorry Luca had to have the amputation but it sounds like it was the best thing to do,  Hope he heals quickly. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCA!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so sorry Luca had this horrible accident, but it sounds like you have cared for him the best possible way. I hope he heals quickly. I'm sure he does feel better already. 

Happy Birthday to Luca!

[BG and Gavin]

I am sorry for this outcome F.  I am sure however that his doodley tail will look as handsome as ever no matter what length it is.  I am glad he is more comfortable now.  Do you have any further options to pursue re:  the groomer?

[F, Calla & Luca]

No options. I have no proof and I know even if I did she could afford nothing. I was talking to her the last time about raising her rates. And no money would change anything : ( I am sure whatever happened was unintentional.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Sorry F, this couldn't have been an easy decision, but obviously a good one. As for the groomer, you're right it probably was unintentional, what bothers me is not admitting to it. That is intentional, and dishonest. But you aren't going back, and either way it doesn't change the outcome.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I'm sorry that it came to this but I'm sure he will much more comfortable when he has had a chance to heal. I know it was a tough decision but it sounds like the only one. Having a shorter tail will in no way do anything to change how handsome he is and both you and Luca will be able to put this behind you. Hugs to you and Luca.

Happy Birthday Luca, I hope you get a big juicy hamburger for your birthday.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Happy Birthday Luca!!!

I'm so glad he will be feeling better soon! So sad that he had to lose part of his tail :-( but he is still gorgeous, inside and out!

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Happy Birthday Luca...Get some rest then you can party on!!!  Hey maybe it will get you some more special treats for your birthday!!!

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

I am sorry about Luca's tail but glad to hear he is feeling better.  Luca you are still one handsome doodle!  Happy Birthday and best wishes for better days ahead!

[Diana Erhart]

I am so sorry to hear about Luca's tail.  But I am glad that he seems to be more comfortable now.  Hopefully he will be feeling back to his old self very soon.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCA!!!  I hope you get lots of extra special treats, you are an extra special Dood.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

This tale of Luca's tail has me really sad but I know you made the best decision for him.  I would never doubt that.  I'm so glad that  he is on the road to recovery.  Give him a  get-well-and-happy-birthday kiss from me...