The Tale of Luca’s Tail

[F, Calla & Luca]

On Wednesday evening, while just lying on the bed with me Luca yelped once, and sat up looking frightened. He slept through the night but he seemed somewhat restless and clingy. He kept lying practically on top of me. By Thursday I could see he was walking in an abnormal manner with his tail low and almost tucked under him. I checked him over and when I ran my hand down his tail he jumped when I got near the last third. I hoped it was a sprain. He was pretty subdued and not himself. He did urinate and defecate. But then he did not eat his dinner, having skipped breakfast which is not unusual for him. I got him to eat some chicken breast and some kibble by 1 AM. I was now worried his tail was seriously injured, perhaps broken.

So first thing Friday we went to the vet. She told me people often think tails are broken but they rarely are. And she wondered if he had “cold tail”. But although the doodles went to the groomer Wednesday it was only for their nails. As the vet clipped away the hair on his tail, we could see the skin was raw and it looked awful. She thought Luca may have been chewing on his tail but he has never done this. Then she got a little farther up and we could see the break. OMD.  So the tail was cleaned up and some silvadene cream was applied and he was bandaged. We got anti-inflammatory and antibiotics pills too. And that alone seemed to give him some relief because by the evening, when my son who is one of Luca’s favorite people arrived, he was back to normal, having already eaten a huge bowl of kibble.

The mystery is how this happened. It certainly didn’t happen when I was there since Luca carries on if anything happens, even if it’s just that his ball is stuck where he can’t get it. That leaves the groomer’s, which is a zoo.  I left the dogs for less than an hour. Could his tail gotten caught in a door or something? Could a dog have grabbed him and he struggled to get free? There were a couple of big dogs there. I called the groomer and she said nothing happened. But the doodles won’t be going back. Could it have happened when he was in the yard? I heard nothing and he showed no signs when I let him in any time.

I waited to post until today since there was a possibility that if things looked bad that Luca would have to have the end of his tail removed. But today I redid his bandages. When I went to remove them it was very difficult  : ) I had put packing tape over them to keep him and the weather out. Luca had only tried halfheartedly to remove them himself. I was anxious not to hurt him but not a whimper was heard. It’s hard to lie on a dog and remove bandages, and put new bandages on. The tail is still very red but does not look necrotic or infected. The area of the break is not really swollen anymore. So Luca will be bandaged a while and he will look like a rat tailed boy for some time. It could have been worse. At least now Luca is holding his tail high. I prefer my wrap that blends with the rest of him.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Oh, poor sweetheart. Hoping for a speedy recovery!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

A tail carries a dog's emotion for goodness sakes! So painful and sad.
Glad to see you're getting a waggle on now, Dood.
Get well soon

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Oh I'm so sorry for you both! It's good to hear that Luca's tail is looking better. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Oh F, I just feel so sad for Luca and you.  When our Doodles are hurting, so are we and I admire how you handle this injury. I would be a wreck and obviously wanting to know how it happened.  I pray it was not at the groomer, but like you said, if it is real hectic there maybe you should try someone else.  From the picture it looks like he is handling it ok and having some outdoor time.  Hugs and prayers to you and Luca!  What an ordeal for you:(  

[DJ & Chance]

Oh poor Luca--please keep improving.  You have a great human mom who knows just the right things to do to help you get better.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry for Luca.  Ned, Clancy and Gordie are sending pawsitive good tail thoughts.  I didn't know breaking a tail was common.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Again thank you all for your kind words.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Poor buddy!  I have no idea what happened.  I am just glad you caught it and it looks like he will be just fine.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Just catching up here now. So sorry this happened to Luca but very glad that he doesn't have to lose some of his tail. I wouldn't be going back to the groomer either...nothing you can prove but more than odd that you didn't pick up that something happened at home.

[Diana Erhart]

Poor Luca! How awful that must feel to have his tail broken. I definitely wouldn't be taking him back to that groomer. I kind of like the green bandage...looks like he has a rocket on the end of his tail and he is ready to take off! Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Glad his tail is going to be ok!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Oh NO poor Luca!!!  I hope he gets better soon!  How odd I wonder how he broke his tail.  You would think the groomer picked up on this and let you know!  Anyways, I agree his second picture bandage looks better and more subtle.  The first one looks like hes growing a plant out of his tail.  aw hugs to Luca from us!

[Gail and Bailey]

Bailey and I are sending our wishes for a speedy tail healing!  Hugs!