I'm in the process of adopting a 4 month old golden retriever / lab mix from the humane society. She seems to be in great health. One thing that concerns me though is that her tail seems shorter than I would expect for her age and breed. The tip of her tail doesn't quite come down to her knees when she's relaxed. The tip of her tail feels like it's bent at an extreme angle. I'm more familiar with labs than I am with golden retrievers, so I'm not sure if this is normal or if maybe the tip of her tail somehow got broken and it's stunting growth. I plan on asking the shelter about it (as well as my vet), but I'm concerned NOW and am wondering if anyone might know something that can put my mind at ease. Thanks!
2007-12-27 09:53:33 · 14 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Actually, your theory seems possible. One of my Dachshunds has a small kink at the end of her tail (about an inch from the tip), and it is also a bit shorter than it should be. It sounds exactly like the tail you are describing. She is an adult now, so I know it's finished growing. The vet wasn't concerned in the slightest and said it's fairly common.
I don't know the how/why of it, but her tail has been kinked forever (most likely stepped on by her mother when she was hours old), and that seems to have stunted the growth a bit somehow. Her personality was the best of the litter though, so now she's mine! I'll take personality over perfection any day!
2007-12-27 10:04:06 · answer #1 · answered by Mandy 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Thank you for adopting!
It sounds like at some point the tail was damaged, possibly by someone trying to clip it or perhaps just an accident. Also, mixed breeds often don't match either breeds typical structure, so this may be normal for the dog.
Depending on how the shelter got the dog, they may or may not know anything about it.
Usually with tails, their's not too much to worry about. Many breeds have their tails docked as puppies, many breeds don't have a tail at all. I would not let a shorter tail change my opinion of getting the dog.
2007-12-27 10:10:09 · answer #2 · answered by rjn529 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well I could say that this is not as bad as a heart disease or a bad diet. If it is growing like a zig zag or not straight it may continue growing like that. I recommend you do as you were going to do, go see the vet and ask some of the following questions:
Is there anything I could do to help the tail from growing like that?
Do I need to be aware of anything?
Should we do an x-ray to see the problem?
Is there anything that the dog should avoid?
But first you need to ask the sheltar cause if it is a big problem you should get it vet checked before you adopt it. Good Luck, Hope My Advice Helps. =]]]
2007-12-27 10:03:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It may be that the tail was broken once, or she may just have a short tail. Some dogs don't meet breed standards (in fact most don't) so a goofy tail may just be a goofy tail. It is almost certainly harmless, but ask the vet anyway.
2007-12-27 10:00:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Border Collie - Jack Russell Terrier mix
2016-05-27 08:29:23 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm no expert but I think it may have been injured at some time. What have the humane society said. If that is all that is wrong with it I would not worry but I think you are wise to be concerned at this stage and get it sorted before you adopt
2007-12-27 09:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by Scouse 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, she is a mixed breed, you never know how the pups will come out. I'd still check with the shelter and the vet, though, just to be sure.
2007-12-27 09:58:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's possible that someone tried to cut it, didn't do it right, and left it to heal wrong. Some breeds, such as Springer Spaniels, have their tails snipped off to just a nub when they're puppies. Someone could have tried to do that to your dog and messed up. However, he's probably fine, and if he's otherwise healthy, there's no need to worry!
2007-12-27 09:57:41 · answer #8 · answered by FantasyGeek 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If she came into the shelter with an unknown history, they won't be able to tell you much. It's very possible that the tail was broken, cut, or both. I doubt it will affect her growth.
2007-12-27 09:58:37 · answer #9 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I was probably just broken at some point. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but ask the vet. it will just give the puppy more personality!
2007-12-27 09:58:31 · answer #10 · answered by lilith 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋