Posted: 10/30/2016 11:34:39 AM EDT
well my poor old shep has had another misadventure that will result in about half of his tail being removed...
I know that tail docking is done on many breeds when young with no serious complications. On an old dog it might be a bit more serious. Any thoughts on possible complications? thanks |
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I've done it several times and as long as the dog leaves the amputation sight alone they usually do great. Anesthesia will always be a risk, more so in an older dog but I would recommend pretty op blood work if you don't have a recent panel. It's usually an uncomplicated surgery resulting in high success.
Cschelk2 DVM |
| Our dachshund / beagle mix had to get his cut off due to some unspecified incident before we got him. He seems pretty happy. Our vet seems to think one of the assholes that had him before us broke it off cause there's a knob of bone / calcified tissue a little off center. He doesn't like anybody touching it but other than that he's good to go. |
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My buddy just bought 10 acres and took his new dog to walk the property corners. This involved using a machete to clear the way. His lab is always right up in ghe mix. Him slashing away and his dog being right there was a bad combo. He chopped his tail in half.... Super crazy!
The vets fixed him up though and with the head cone and tail bandaged up he seems to be doing fine. So I imagine in a controled environment with the cut, your dag will be fine! |
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it's not uncommon for a hunting dog with an undocked tail to have it injured and need it docked in adult life. They seem to get along fine. Note, I think it's best to leave as much tail as possible not dock it to just a nubbin, as the tail position is important in dog-communication. This is IMHO a good example of a length that greatly reduces injuries in a dog that is out in the rough-and-tumble world, yet gives enough tail to fully and easily communicate with other dogs.  |