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 : )

[Carol and Banjo]

F, I'm just seeing this....I'm sorry things didn't work out for Luca with the initial treatment but happy to know that he's on the mend at last.   Hugs to you all.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

I am so sorry to hear about this.  I'm mad at this groomer.  As badly as his tail was broken, I'm sure he cried when whatever happened took place.  That is so mean not to even care!  I don't understand people.  Anyway, I am so glad that you made the decision and that he will heal and all will be fine.  Poor little guy!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have posted an update on Luca as he returns to his normal dog life.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Thanks for the update. I'm happy he is on the mend.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

F, I am so glad he is on the mend and back to his normal dog life.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Great news F!  So happy for the both of you:)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Dear Luca, we are so glad the bandages and tail wraps are gone and life is getting back to normal for you and your mom! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is great news!  Doesn't it make you wonder how people can "dock" the tails of their dogs....putting them through that for no good reason?  I grew up with Boxers and their tails were docked, so I'm assuming my parents made that decision.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No, the decent breeders would have done that when the pups were still quite young, along with the ears. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh wow, I forgot about the ears.  I do remember one of our Boxers with his ears taped so I think that was done after he left the Breeder.  You're probably right about the tail.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It sure does make me wonder. I think it's barbaric.