tail cropping

samckinner · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 6:01 pm Post subject: tail cropping

Hey Guys

Someone I know has just gotten an almost 4 month old puppy and the vet has agreed to crop her tail when she spays her. The question is at maybe 4-5 months how short should the tail be? The vet says it's up to the owners

Sam and Haus

ange165 · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject:

I vote not at all!! Razz

4 months is a bit old?

Zeiks-Dad · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject:

seems a bit late, but AKC says tail crop should be 6 inches at maturity.

samckinner · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 6:15 pm Post subject:

A bit late indeed. Would not be my choice.

Sam and Haus

Sherry327 · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:19 pm Post subject:

I say it is too late for it now.

youhavenoidea · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:36 pm Post subject:

I would question the integrity of any veterinarian willing to dock past 4 days of age, without a LEGITIMATE medical reason for the amputation. Because that's what it is at this age. An unecessary, invasive, painful, vain, and purely cosmetic AMPUTATION.

I'm not going off on you, since you're asking on behalf of a friend, but in my opinion, that vet is just sketchy, and I wouldn't likely take a fruitfly to be cared for by him, if these are the kinds of procedures he's readily willing to perform.

Just my two cents.

But as someone else stated, if you're friend is really hellbent on putting their dog through that (good luck getting it to ever heal properly at this age too), the length should be approximately 6 to 7 inches.

versatilek9s · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:23 pm Post subject:

I have heard of people doing re-docks (for the show ring--ick) at a bit older than 4 months and I think it's a terrible idea. Apparently it hugely increases the chance of phantom limb pain, where the dog thinks it has a tail still.

The only reason these dogs need their tail docked is for the show ring and for hunting purposes. I wouldn't do it unless you need to for either venue. Long tails are lovely!

meredith

karen9497 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:02 am Post subject:

NO WAY would I put MY dog thru this!!!!!! Just my 2 cents

kamfam · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:11 am Post subject:

JacksMommy · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:34 am Post subject:

weimarmom · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:03 am Post subject:

unless they are really serious about showing the dog, what does it matter if it has a tail or not?? poor doggie to be put through all that pain. Sad

BigJake · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:39 am Post subject:

I have a question for the group that is along the same lines. I have a 6 year old pit/rot mix. Her tail is uncut. My problem is that it acts like a whip. Clears off tables, bruises legs, it has been broken from hitting things numerous times, and most of the hair is off the tip of it from it being cut open so many times. Now, I don't want to crop it (if it is even possible) but, I think it might have to happen. She doesn't seem to be in any pain other than when she breaks it. Then it is sensitive to the touch, she gets in fights with my other dogs when the hit it in passing and such. I just don't know what to do. Sad

karen9497 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:45 am Post subject:

Well, a situation like that where the dog is suffering WITH the tail, I might look in to it, but I'm still not sure I could do it....if the dog is getting open sores on its tail, that could lead to infection and obviously that's not good and the dog is suffering.
My lab has a tail that clears my coffee table on a daily basis! It doesn't hurt HIM, just my living room Mad

iceprincess3333 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:44 pm Post subject:

If it were me I would just leave the tail. If it was becoming a problem where the dog was injuring the tip, cuts etc then I would address the problem with amputation. I know many people with Danes have this problem and some have even had to amputate part of the tail.