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 : )

[DJ & Chance]

Luca, I am so glad you are now healing, and your mom did exactly the right thing.  You will have a very special tail that will have its own distinctive beauty.  Happy Birthday!!!!!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

It sounds to me like you did what was best for him.  I hope he has a speedy recovery and is wagging his (slightly shorter) tail without pain soon!

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Oh F!  I am so sorry sweet Luca has had to go through this.  You did the right thing and he will be feeling himself in no time.  Kiss his nose for me please.  And hugs to you, I know it sucks when our doods don't feel well.

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU LUCA!!!!
I’m sorry to hear about Luca’s tail but happy that he seems more comfortable already and will heal well. I do understand what you’re feeling. We just want our doodles to be happy and healthy, when they are not, neither are we. Some will think us crazy, I don’t know about everyone else, but I am.....Doodle Crazy and happy to be!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

So sorry to hear about Luca's tail.  Hoping that all heals well and that you will never even be able to tell once the hair grows back.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thank you Sheri. You know how much worse things can be sadly, I have been thinking of you.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You already know how I feel about all of this, but I do have to tell you one thing.  Duke Kendig is one fine looking dog  :)   One of my true loves.  And I know, Luca will still be one fine looking boy too

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have been thinking of him : )

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Well, Ann was the one who reminded me today about tails.  She reminded me it's not so bad. Huh?  And mentioned her Nubby Duke.  I smiled remembering him.  Was hoping you could too  :)  

[Kyoko]

So sorry to hear about this...:-(

Have a happy birthday, Luca.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Oh I'm sorry for both of you having to go through this.  But so glad he's going to be fine. It sounds like you made the right choice.  I'm sure he'll look just fine when the hair grows back!  Hope you mend quickly handsome Luca!  Happy Birthday Big Guy!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Fudge said to tell Luca size doesn't matter :) I hope the inappropriateness of that statement made you smile! I think now that the bad area is gone, Luca probably feels so much better and his beautiful tail will be as beautiful as before, just shorter. I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow.