Our dog has lost her wag :-(

**Damsella** · 29-04-2012, 08:58am

Inca, our nine year old spaniel, has lost her wag

Her tail is just hanging there, like it's paralysed

She seems happy enough in herself, although has been having a bit of trouble with her back legs lately. So I'm sure it's something to do with that.

I will take her to the vet tomorrow. Has anyone else got any experience of this with their dog?

**Bop** · 29-04-2012, 09:34am

It could be a problem with her spine and that could also affect her back legs.

I know when Daisy lost the end of her tail the vet was pleased she could wag her tail as it meant she hadn't damaged her spinal cord.

Hope the vet is able to sort her....

Bop

**santafi** · 29-04-2012, 09:39am

Has she been swimming in cold water lately? This can cause cold tail which usually sorts itself out in 3-5 days. If she doesn't complain when you feel her tail it's probably cold tail - if she does object and it looks as if it's hurting her then def see the vet tomorrow.

Could also be her anal glands need emptying.

**Damsella** · 29-04-2012, 09:40am

Poor thing

**Damsella** · 29-04-2012, 09:41am

Originally Posted by santafi

Has she been swimming in cold water lately? This can cause cold tail which usually sorts itself out in 3-5 days. If she doesn't complain when you feel her tail it's probably cold tail - if she does object and it looks as if it's hurting her then def see the vet tomorrow.

Could also be her anal glands need emptying.

We were wondering about those lovely glands

She doesn't complain when I touch her tail, bottom or back - well, she growls at me but she always does that

She's obviously not in pain though.

**Damsella** · 29-04-2012, 09:52am

Update: Well under the extreme provocation of "somebody maybe coming to the front door" the mad spaniel was running round madly and there was definite tail movement!

It lifted it a bit, and then there was a little bit of wagging. Still taking her to the vet tomorrow, but that must be hopeful!!

**Bop** · 29-04-2012, 02:53pm

Originally Posted by Damsella

Update: Well under the extreme provocation of "somebody maybe coming to the front door" the mad spaniel was running round madly and there was definite tail movement!

It lifted it a bit, and then there was a little bit of wagging. Still taking her to the vet tomorrow, but that must be hopeful!!

Fantastic news - wagging of any sort must be a good sign.

Bop

**Damsella** · 29-04-2012, 05:21pm

Her tail is generally still just hanging there, but in extreme excitement we think it moves a bit.

**Dr Know** · 29-04-2012, 05:28pm

Failing all else, Viagra?

Our previous labrador (RIP) lost his wag from about 15 years and he also had back leg issues. I'm sure the two are related although as it's come on suddenly and she's only 9, I'm sure she'll get her wag back. Could it also be made worse by the damp weather maybe? She's definitely not paralysed if there's some movement anyway

ETA I thought anal glands were only an issue with male dogs