25 replies to this topic

[Paul and Carie]

I would like to get some advice about how to handle the latest dilemma facing us with Razor. He sometimes acts like he just got stung on the tail & runs & hides. The vet took a look at his tail & believes it may be a neuroma from when his tail was docked. His tail has a large scar on it where it was docked and the vet told us that sometimes breeders don't stitch the wound when they dock tails and the scar tissue can form around the nerve in the tail causing a neuroma. His tail is a bit on the long side, so there is room to re-dock. But our question is ... should we? Razor is almost 2 yrs old now & the pain/discomfort isn't continuous, but when it does happen you can tell it's not fun for him.

We are concerned that he may be too old & the danger doesn't justify the risk to eliminate the discomfort.
We are strictly considering this to ease his pain--it has nothing to do with cosmetics.

We are weighing the pros & cons & haven't decided what to do.
Has anyone had this experience before & what did you decide to do & how old was the pup?

[Bumpette]

Our Ralph used to do the same thing. Ralph's felt like the last vertebrate was crushed, instead of cut between vertebrates. We had our Vet take a look, but there really wasn't anything they could do, his tail was cut quite short. Ralph experienced what you are describing very infrequently, but when it happened you could tell he was quite distressed. If he would have had anything to work with, we would have had it fixed. If your Vet is confident that Razor's tail can be fixed, I would say go for it. I don't think 2 is too old for surgery, just be sure and have the pre-op blood work done to be sure there aren't any hidden problems. Please keep us updated.

[yahoosmom]

My dobe had his tail redone at almost 2yrs. there was no problem at all.
I would say have it done if he is in pain.

[cliffordsmom]

Interesting....Cliffy does this every once in a while too. I thought he was just being weird. After he has his spaz then he licks the crap out of his nubbin. He'll lick it until it's red. Never thought it was pain related, since he's a licker anyway. He has a large scar too on the end of the nubbin. And it's only once in a great while, he'll spin around suddenly like he was attacked, jump and spin a bit, run off to the other room, then come back and lick the crap out of it.

[dayzimae]

If he is in pain and there is something that can be done, I'd definately go for it. It would be a very non-invasive operation, and if you have ever had nerve pain, you know it is like no other -- literally like a burning, stinging, electric shock.

[Kunu726]

I have noticed Lucy doing this too. I thought it was weird and she does have a scar on her tail.

[Paul and Carie]

Well, we finally decided to have Razor's tail re-docked. The summer wasn't so bad, but this damp/cold weather has been driving him nuts. Several times a day he lets out a yelp & runs to mom for a tail rubbin', or he runs to his bed to hide & chew on his tail. We made the appt for Dec 6 (that way he'll be done with agility classes for the year). We'll keep you posted & keep your fingers crossed this fixes the problem.

[CrocHunter]

If any of you remember Leah (aka Emily) her tail is completely gone. Its cute when she tries to wag..

[Paul and Carie]

Well Razor had his surgery today. Poor pittiful boy. Paul & I plan to alternate staying at home to baby him.
Keep you fingers & paws crossed that this surgery fixes his tail pain. It sure would be nice for him to run through the agility course without stopping to yelp in pain.

[doberpagegirl]

I hope this helps Razor. I'm sure he will milk it for all the attention he can get. Mine always do, lol. Keep us updated.

[Arda]

Please let us all know how he does with this. We really want to know.

[Nancy Robinson]

Hope everything goes well for that baby. They make you feel so bad.
Sometimes I think it is harder on us then them. Hugs and Kisses
and a fast recovery.

[Bumpette]

I hope this fixes his problem, nothing worse than seeing our pups in pain. Hopefully he will be able to enjoy his agility pain free now.

[ohiodobe]

I sure will be praying for Razor. The poor baby will hopefully have wonderful results. Linda

[Paul and Carie]

Razor just had his stitches removed today & so far so good. I think he will be happy just to stop wearing that dreaded cone & run like a goofball through the woods.
Paul & I have the next 2 weeks off & plan to keep a close eye on him. He starts back to agility the second week of Jan. Thanks for all your prayers & I'll keep everyone posted.

[Arda]

Thanks Carie.

[Diana]

Good update. Glad Razor is doing good and he sure will be excited about romping in the woods (cone free) and also getting back to enjoying agility.

[doberpagegirl]

I'm glad that Razor is healing well, I hope that he is running around in no time. Good luck with the agility, we'd love some pictures.

[Bumpette]

Thanks for the update on Razor. Have fun with the agility!

[Nancy Robinson]

Great update........................keep up the good work "Razor"