kazzz Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Hey my mini bull terrier has started chasing his tail, for about 5 days now. I have taken him to the vets to get him checked out just to rule out any injuries or heath problems that could have triggered it. His health was given the all clear. I do know that bullies can have a trait for tail chasing/spinning, so Im pretty concerned about him. He is a top little guy in every other way. I have been spending everyday with him, all day to try and distract him from chasing his tail.'ve been taking him for extra walks, big bones to chew, stuffing his king with food, food rewards etc. The only one thing that changed prior to the spinning starting was that he was given a dose of worm tablets. He had 2 worms removed so far. Could it be anything to do with worms or the medication? the vet thought it was more so a behaviour problem. Has anybody had any experience with tail chasers? what helps/works/ any advice at all? even reccs for a good dog behaviourist in Canberra? I've read some terrible stories about dogs just going crazy about it, refusing food and water..eventually after many long months of suffering the owners make a hard decision to pts the dog. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedazzledx2 Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 You are right to be concerned about it. I have known Bullies to have had their tails amputated due to this. You are only 5 days in so I would advise you to get some professional help from a behaviourist pronto. Drugs (while not usually my first call) may be of some help initially. I would also be speaking to the breeder to ask for advice. Good luck Hey my mini bull terrier has started chasing his tail, for about 5 days now. I have taken him to the vets to get him checked out just to rule out any injuries or heath problems that could have triggered it. His health was given the all clear. I do know that bullies can have a trait for tail chasing/spinning, so Im pretty concerned about him. He is a top little guy in every other way. I have been spending everyday with him, all day to try and distract him from chasing his tail.'ve been taking him for extra walks, big bones to chew, stuffing his king with food, food rewards etc. The only one thing that changed prior to the spinning starting was that he was given a dose of worm tablets.He had 2 worms removed so far. Could it be anything to do with worms or the medication? the vet thought it was more so a behaviour problem. Has anybody had any experience with tail chasers? what helps/works/ any advice at all? even reccs for a good dog behaviourist in Canberra? I've read some terrible stories about dogs just going crazy about it, refusing food and water..eventually after many long months of suffering the owners make a hard decision to pts the dog. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Hi- I have no specific experience, sorry - must be frustrating and a worry . What walking/obedience does the dog get each day? Sounds as if he is getting plenty of free play- but what organised, brain work is he having? What advice did his breeder give? have they noticed any spinning in their bloodlines ? Do they have an comment about what may have triggered it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 I would contact his breeder ASAP and try to get on to a vet who has experience with this problem. Unfortunately it's not always solvable, but I hope you have some success. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bully Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Sorry to hear about your boy. Yes, try and distract him but don't make a big deal of it. Contact your breeder ASAP. Also check out this website Bull Terrier Neurological Disorder Resources there's lots of info there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Sorry to hear your dog is doing this, I've known a couple through training that have done it also. Agree with others to contact your Breeder for help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazzz Posted March 21, 2010 Author Share Posted March 21, 2010 Thanks everyone for advice and good luck wishes. Not a good way to start my first post on the forums huh. persephone-im doing practice with him with the normal -sit/stay/come etc but it's proving difficult with the sitting. Each time he sits he wants to reach around to his tail and grab it. I borrowed one of those elizabethan collars I think theyre called? -he hated it!, and just ended up doing the spinning without grabbing his tail so no win with that either. Bully-thanks for the link, Ive checked that one out already. Talk about a worry, I really hope we can work this out soon cause he is such a beautiful dog with a great personality (although arnt all bullies). Will be getting on to the breeder tonight to let him know whats going on. Thanks again everyone :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Thanks everyone for advice and good luck wishes. Not a good way to start my first post on the forums huh. persephone-im doing practice with him with the normal -sit/stay/come etc but it's proving difficult with the sitting. Each time he sits he wants to reach around to his tail and grab it. I borrowed one of those elizabethan collars I think theyre called? -he hated it!, and just ended up doing the spinning without grabbing his tail so no win with that either. Bully-thanks for the link, Ive checked that one out already. Talk about a worry, I really hope we can work this out soon cause he is such a beautiful dog with a great personality (although arnt all bullies). Will be getting on to the breeder tonight to let him know whats going on. Thanks again everyone Sounds as if a veterinary behaviourist consult would be a useful thing. Good luck with the breeder, and I hope you can get some help. It certainly sounds serious :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teebs Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 I have had experience with a spinner :rolleyes: He started when he was just about 6 months old. You need a behaviourist ASAP, you need to talk to someone who had experience about this, I was on a few forums about this, let me see what I can find for you, i will be back! Bullys link is the best place to start, but they are not in Australia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teebs Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 yahoo group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/BullTer...ical_disorders/ I also found some help on BBO - http://forum.bullbreedsonline.com/index/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bully Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Just looking into my saved info and stress can bring on spinning. Check out http://www.minibull.org/health.htm and scroll down to the article "Stress Can Trigger Compulsive Disorders". Maybe the worm tablets may have stressed his system. I've also given the following article to Pele's vet with a note that she is only to be given isoflurane as an anaesthetic and no Ketamine, ace prozemine and a couple of others listed here Anesthesia in Minis because they can lower the seizure threshold of some dogs and I don't wish to find out if she is one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Try Sydney Animal Behaviour Service they would be the best to phone up and speak to I think. If it keeps up they will recommend you go there for a consult. It may be possible for a home visit. For some Bully's there can be an epileptic component, but this may not be the case in your dog. :rolleyes: Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazzz Posted March 21, 2010 Author Share Posted March 21, 2010 Many thanks Teebs, Bully & Staff'n'Toller for the links and all the good advice. Will pop back in with any updates on my boy. I will be calling around tomorrow to see what I can do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teebs Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 please keep us updated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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