Swimmer’s Tail in Dogs
Key takeaways
Swimmer’s tail is a common condition in dogs which presents with sudden onset pain and a limp tail, usually after swimming (especially in cold water) or strenuous exercise.
- Common in hunting dogs or dogs that are either young, male, unfit, or overweight
- This condition is a result of strained muscles of the tail after excessive wagging or prolonged transport in a crate
- Diagnosis involves physical examination, medical history, blood work, and X-rays to rule out alternative diagnosis, such as tail fracture
- Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and involves rest and medication such as anti-inflammatories and pain relief
- Prognosis for swimmer’s tail is excellent and most cases resolve spontaneously; some dogs may experience swimmer’s tail multiple times
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A closer look: Swimmer’s Tail in Dogs
Swimmer’s tail is a common condition which results in temporary pain and dysfunction of the tail. Although distressing, swimmer’s tail resolves spontaneously with symptomatic treatment but recurrence is common.
Dogs with suspected swimmer’s tail benefit from prompt veterinary attention, as it is quite painful. Veterinary intervention is important to confirm symptoms of swimmer’s tail are differentiated from injuries or neurological conditions which may be more urgent.
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Risk factors
Swimmer’s tail is most common in:
- Hunting or working dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Large breed dogs
- Young dogs
- Dogs exposed to wet or cold weather, particularly after a period of confinement
Some dogs experience pain more acutely than others.
Additional symptoms include;
- Hesitation when defecating
- Reluctance to sit down on the tail
- Struggling to settle or rest
- Crying
- Chewing at the tail
Speed of resolution also varies from a few days up to two weeks.
Possible causes
The underlying cause of swimmer’s tail involves muscular strain of the tail as a result of strenuous exercise, particularly in unfit dogs, hunting dogs, and dogs that swim in cold water. Other causes may include excessive amounts of tail wagging, and prolonged periods of confinement, such as dogs being transported while kenneled.
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosis involves:
- Physical examination
- Medical history
- Blood work
- X-rays
Typical Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Pain relief
- Heat packing
The prognosis for swimmer’s tail is excellent. Most cases resolve spontaneously within 2 weeks of onset. Recurrence is possible.
Prevention
Prevention in hunting dogs involves ensuring a good level of fitness prior to the hunting season and keeping dogs in large kennels where they have freedom of movement.
Is Swimmer’s Tail in Dogs common?
Swimmer’s tail is common in dogs.
Typical Treatment
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Pain relief
- Heat packing
