Tail Deformity In Puppy

[hugglebears]

I am after people's advice on potential health issues of a deformed tail. This saint bernard puppy has been born with a fish hook shaped tail. The vet thinks that it may have been wrapped around his leg in utero. In all other ways he is a good strong pup. What I am wanting advice on is if his tail will cause him problems as he grows? As the tail is an extension of the vertebrae will it be causing him any pain or discomfort? Will he need to have it docked later on? I know absolutely nothing about this topic and google searches haven't come up with anything either

[Kirislin]

I know someone with a dog with a similar tail. The dog is an adult now and I'm not sure if the tail has been a problem. When it was little it got caught a couple of times but there was always someone there to unhook it. I would suggest asking the vet for advice. Perhaps it might be safest to remove the bent bit but see what the vet thinks. If you did go down that route, make sure you take photos of the tail before, just incase someone accuses you of tail docking unnecessarily although St Bernards aren't a traditionally docked breed.

Edited June 9, 2016 by Kirislin

[J...]

A friend has a dog with a shortened deformed tail which is hooked/kinked at the end. Was thought to be caused in utero but it's related to problems in the lower back area in this particular dog. I can't recall full details but definitely worth doing your homework on. Dog was mature before the sports vet picked up something not quite right, x-rays showed the extent of the lower back problems.

My Mum bred an ACD puppy with a kink in it's tail - it was like a break vs. a deformity though. He never appeared to show any problems as a result of it.

[*kirty*]

What has the vet said? Has it been xrayed? No way to tell how severe the condition is or what the future issues may be without knowing exactly what you are dealing with.

[Jumabaar]

Where is the kink?

I agree that X-rays would be beneficial.