Mary Allen
Water cane in dogs is a disease that is associated with significant pain.
Often affected are dogs that have been worked intensively (hunting, swimming in cold water) e.g. B. Breeds such as Pointer, Setter, Beagle, Retriever.
Symptoms
The dogs suddenly exhibit a characteristic tail pose: stretched out a few inches square, the rest of the tail hanging limply. This tail position is accompanied by severe pain at the base of the tail.
Many dogs hold back urine and feces because of the pain and adopt a relieving posture when sitting – the pelvis is tilted to the side, as puppies often sit.
Causes
There are different theories as to the cause:
- Compression of the caudal vertebrae joints
- Inflammation between the vertebrae from strain, comparable to that from overuse
- Temporary poor blood flow to the muscles of the tail
- Muscle damage to the muscles that control the tail
- Existing problems in the lumbar spine and sacrum in combination with swimming, cold stimulus, or excessive activity favor the occurrence of the water cane
To exclude other causes (tail vertebra fracture, anal gland blockage…) an X-ray should be taken and the anal glands checked.
The muscle enzyme value creatine kinase is significantly increased in the blood. A clear swelling at the base of the tail can also be felt, which is very painful when pressed lightly.
Treatment
For treatment it is recommended:
- Pain and inflammation inhibitors (without cortisone)
- warm compresses at the base of the tail (if tolerated)
- rest and protection
- Physical medicine (e.g. laser treatment) for muscle regeneration
- physical therapy
- homeopathy
Within a maximum of 2 weeks, the dog should carry the tail raised normally again!