I mentioned last week that Freighter got a mild case of “cold tail” after wood duck hunting. A few readers said they had never heard of it. If you have a hunting dog, chances are good that at one time or another, you will.
The condition has many names: cold tail, dead tail, limber tail. It a painful condition where the dog’s tail droops and may appear to be broken as most dogs tend to hold their tail still. Think of it as a strain to the muscles. The muscles around the base of the tail may swell in severe cases. The good news is that it usually goes away on it own after about 48 hours, (although more sever cases can last longer). Treatment is usually anti-inflammatories or pain relievers for a couple of days and rest until the tail returns to normal.
Depending on the severity of the case, some may elect to have the dog seen by the vet in order to obtain anti-inflammatories or a steroid injection. Freighter’s case seemed mild because he didn’t appear in pain and he was moving his tail. We elected to give him a couple of rounds of buffered aspirin to help with any discomfort. If your dog gets cold tail, you should do what is right for your dog which may mean a vet visit.
They don’t really know what causes cold tail. They suspect over-exertion in cold water or cold temperatures. Some sources point to crating a wet dog or bathing a dog in cold water. But again, they really don’t know for sure. Read more about it here and here.
In Freighter’s case most of the things that the sources point to as causes did not really apply to him. He is in excellent condition and was not crated or confined. He was swimming in the river on a cool day so that may have contributed.
Thunder used to get a case of cold tail each start of hunting season; however, he has not had it since we started field training over the winter. I think maybe the key to prevention may be cold weather conditioning. Freighter is just 2 years old and really only had last winter to condition. He is still maturing and growing and perhaps that played a part.
Storm has never had a case of cold tail. Unlike Thunder and Freighter who hold their tails up when they run or work, she does not. I have no idea whether that may contribute, but it is interesting to note.
Freighter’s case took about 48 hours to resolve. He was out grouse hunting as soon as his tail returned to normal.
Just a reminder that our Full Moon give-away for USA grown Chicken Jerky and some great swag is still open through tomorrow. It is easy to enter. Just leave a comment telling me you would like to enter. While you are there, read our review and try to spot the blooper. Check it out here.
Ouch, dead tail is not a fun thing. Boomer has had it happen a few times the latest being when he fell off a bed and landed funny. Meds and rest!
Interesting how each dog is affected differently or not at all. I had never heard of cold tail but we are Terrier folk over here so that may be why. Glad everyone’s tail is back to normal!
Happy hunting!
Oz
The Labs in our family never get this but our Shar Pei did have it a few times.
Thanks for letting us know all about cold tail. We had no idea. Always nice to learn something new. Have a terrific Tuesday.
Best wishes Molly
Not a good thing to have happen, but glad it wasn’t too serious. Tails can be tricky with the blood supply and stuff.
Hi Y’all!
I’ve gotten it a couple of times. My Human thinks it’s over exertion. She says Candy never got it.
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Happy to hear that Freighter’s feeling better. My human mommy says her tail drags when the weather’s hot. Silly Mommy; I tried to explain to her that it’s not the same thing. 😉
To be honest I’ve never heard of cold tail, I had to go back to look at pictures of them swimming to find out what they do with their tail. Both have it laying on top of the water or just under the surface. Blacks run with tails straight out and Landseer’s carry theirs curled over the back and I’ve never seen them have a problem. Thanks for new information.
Sure glad to hear sweet Freighter’s tail is all better. Your pictures are all just amazing but I have to tell you I think all of your splashing water pictures are just over the top amazing. This was a nice informative post about “cold tail”. Hugs and nose kisses
This is so interesting, I have never heard of it before. I’m glad it’s not too serious and resolves itself after a few days.
I’ve never heard of “cold tail” either that I can remember. Neither Callie nor Shadow have ever experienced it as far as I know. (If they have it must have been a very mild case!)
Love all the pix! They are all absolutely awesome!!
Whatever you call it, it’s still an owie. 🙁 So glad you knew what to do and that Freighter did not need to see a vet.
I had heard of cold tail but didn’t know too much about it. I’m glad Freighter’s case was mild and didn’t keep him out of commission for too long!
Glad Freighter’s tail healed so rapidly. I have heard of this and think if someone hadn’t, it would be very frightening!
Always wish for a quick recovery, and conditioning may be the key. Good old aspirin! Chessie just fit into that water and the woods. Wonderful photos, thanks! Always learn much from your posts.
Glad it’s a mild case. A dead tail doesn’t sound nice :/ I like happy dog tails 😛
Our dock diving lab friends get that cold tail thing. Sounds terrible. – Your friends at DogDaz
Poor Freighter. Glory and Nellie have gotten it but not the boys. Great information!
Years ago my dog, Sabokka, had a case of it and it was very painful for several days – he yelped and cried each time he wagged his tail. Again, it was early in the season after two days of sage grouse hunting. We figured he wagged his tail so much it strained it; wonder if it could also be a type of muscle cramps.