Gun Dog Forum

Hi all- new member but no stranger to the forum. Have been coming here often over the past few months to read opinions and input that has been so valuable!
I have a 9mo old GSP who had his tail docked when he was a few days old. A few weeks ago his tail split open and despite antibiotics and strict supervision it has not healed. Today I got the phone call that I have been dreading- the vet is out of other ideas and wants to move forward with amputation. At this stage he is hoping just the distal section of the tail will solve the underlying issue, a bone spur at the site of the original dock.
Wanting to see if anyone out there has experienced something similar or has any ideas to save the tail- would hate to put the little guy through that if it can be avoided. Also if anyone has lived through a similar operation and can share what recovery is like I would be grateful for any tips.
We are located in Washington.

Thank you!

The dog I have now is GSP that is 3 yrs old and I haven't had a dog since 25 years ago and thankfully never had to deal with this issue but, I hope all goes well for pup and your wallet.

Hope to hear a good outcome, Eric

If the bone is poking through the skin and causing a problem, then it needs to be removed. Ask your vet to spare as much tail as he can.
Don't worry about the amputation putting the dog through anything; you're kidding yourself if you think he's not going through something with the infection now. Surgery, some pain meds, done.

Sorry your little guy is in this situation. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Health over cosmetics every time. Dog won't care it only has a nub or no tail. If a hunting dog, the other end is what matters most.

I've had two Pointers tails cut off about 2in. each, because the tips were always bleeding from whipping against the brush. No problems. Just took awhile to heal, kept it wraped. PS. Never have I seen a dog point a bird with his tail....

id try just debriding the existing tissue and then stitching the skin back over the bone. Granted, if its stretched too tight it may not heal properly, but there shouldnt be any reason that the bone is any longer than it was before.

I do agree on the health over cosmetic statement. Feeling better about this seeing your comments so thank you for your replies. I have never had to put a dog through an operation in the last 15 years and that may be why this has come as such a shock to me.

Surgery is next week- will post an update then.

looking at the pic, your vet should be able to debride that and just trim back the bony tissue a bit and then sew the skin over it. Shouldnt need to do any more of an amputation, in my opinion.

dog dr wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 10, 2021 3:11 pm

looking at the pic, your vet should be able to debride that and just trim back the bony tissue a bit and then sew the skin over it. Shouldnt need to do any more of an amputation, in my opinion.

No dog in this fight, but just wanted to say thanks for hanging around and always freely sharing. It’s appreciated.

x2

Hi all,

Surgery went well and we were able to keep some length on the tail! Looking forward to getting some hair growth back and getting back out there. Thanks again for your responses!