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 : )

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

sorry for all the discomfort for Luca, but glad he is more comfortable now.  Once his hair is back, I bet he will be just fine and as handsome as ever.  

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

I am sorry to hear this..but I 100% agree with the decision that you made..the recovery from getting the plates would be a terribly long haul..you did the right thing...stay strong and positive for Luca..and I hope he has a wonderful birthday tomorrow!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh poor Luca....I'm so sorry he had to go through all this.  I am glad that it's over and he's on the mend now.  Happy Birthday handsome guy!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Well, shoot!!  Sorry to hear that part of the tail had to be amputated, but it sounds as if you had no choice.  Hopefully, Luca will be back to normal soon!!  Okay, maybe his new normal!

[PJ and Zach]

Oh my gosh, F.  Poor poor Luca!  I am SURE he feels much better now, and is still the handsome boy you love. It sounds like the absolute right course for you to have taken.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Poor Luca.  I am just happy it's over and he's going to be okay.  Happy happy birthday!!!! 

Ready for some good news on DK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Oh poor both of you... I am so sorry you went through this experience.... I am so deeply grateful that the end result will just be a cosmetic issue and that he is going to be able to heal completely.

I can imagine the distress you must have been under..... I wish the groomer would be honest, if she is not being already. THat is terrible.

My love to everyone.

[Lynette Main]

Happy Birthday,Luca!!!!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Poor Luca-feel better soon and celebrate your birthday!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Poor Luca and poor you. I hope he heals quickly and feels 100% better soon. I'm sure he will be just as handsome with a slightly shorter tail and once it heals, I'll bet the difference won't even be noticeable.

Have a happy birthday, Luca!

 

 

[Leslie and Halas]

I'm sorry you guys had to go through this, but at least that tail won't be causing him pain any more.  And he will still be as handsome as ever!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Oh F. how sad that it happened, and I am certain that you feel bad that he has gone through this. You know he will be just fine and like you said, his tail will once again be beautiful when the hair grows back.
Don;t beat yourself up about your choices, you did not know this was going to go on so long. I too would have done the exact thing you did.

Luca, short tails are coooooooooooooooooooooool and you will be even more special now! You should milk this birthday for all it's worth. Have a happy one!