Limber (Flaccid) Tail Syndrome

I can't tell you how glad I am for all the sites out there that provide up-to-date information about Labs and their particular difficulties.

Otherwise I would've been extremely concerned about Ridge.

For two days after our return from the cottage, Ridge couldn't do anything with his tail. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zero. (See photo above left.)

He couldn't wag it; he couldn't lift it; it just hung there like a limp noodle. Even when he chased our cat down the cellar stairs (photo right; notice contrast between Elsie's tail and Ridge's tail), his tail didn't move. He couldn't move it at all.

Poor boy.

And the base of his tail seemed sensitive to touch.

Thankfully, I'd read some articles in Just Labradors E-zine about Limber Tail Syndrome (otherwise known as "Cold Water Tail" or "Dead Tail" or "Flaccid Tail Syndrome" or "Broken Wag"), something about which I'd never heard before. Because their article peaked my interest, I read about the condition at other sites on-line, too (including the AKC's web site for Labrador Retrievers).

Less than a week after I'd done my on-line reading, we ventured to the cottage where the dogs swam in cool, spring-fed waters daily. The day of our return Ridge's tail was limp.

I knew immediately what it was and knew, based on I what I'd previously read, that Ridge might be uncomfortable for a time (anywhere from two days to two weeks) but that his tail function would return.

His tail is fine now, after only four days.

I'm glad for the Internet. None of my Labrador reference books, including veterinary handbooks, make reference to the condition. I would never have known what was wrong with Ridge but for the information I found on-line.

Thanks, then, to all you who maintain blogs and informational web sites. I've learned much from you. And Baxter, Elsie and Ridge are better for it.

'Til next time,
Joan