Expert: Maliya Clark - 5/4/2010

Question
Out of nowhere my Akita's tail went limp.  He has no symptoms of pain anywhere.  I have handled him all over to see if he is sensitive to touch and pressure.  Nothing.  He will at times of getting attention from us raise his tail, not all the way up  but will not keep it up.  Not sure what to do, it's been about a week.He gets a lot of attention and walks and two light meals a day.  A gentle giant as he was raised  as a lap dog.  I brought a new born Bichon into the mix when he was two years old and he was fine with her.  They keep each other company, we are retired and take them everywhere.  Max, my Akita, will be 8 yrs. old on May 16.

Answer
Hi Mary,

I do apologise for my late reply. Life has been quite hectic lately and I know you must be quite anxious for an answer!

So let's discuss Max.

From what it sounds like, dear old Max may have done some nerve damage in his lower spine. Nerve damage does affect the tail which would cause him to drop it significantly.

However, this doesn't mean he cannot raise it slightly. He just cannot feel it properly or he may feel pain when raised too high, which explains why it is hanging limp all the time. But this doesn't stop the automatic reaction of lifting his tail to wag it when it he sees you.

There are many ways he could have done some damage, and not all are due to a noticeable injury. Pinched or strained nerves (compression or friction of sensitive nerve roots), for example. It can happen any time, any where. Even from getting up or bending over the wrong way.


What matters is that I strongly believe this is the case and a veterinary visit will confirm or dismiss my belief. But I strongly urge a veterinary visit - just to confirm.


I'm very sorry to have to hear of it happening. On the bright side, minor nerve injuries tend to fix themselves if given time. The only problem is we cannot tell if it is minor or major, and that's why we need the vet.

I know of an Akita who has had the same problem, although he and his owner were lucky. The Akita was in no pain at all - just could not raise his tail, and due to his owner having ongoing financial problems and being unable to pay for surgery, the dog is happily living out his days with an uncurled tail.


I hope I've been able to shed some light on the matter and I sincerely wish the best of luck!
I apologise again for my late reply.




Kindest regards.

P.S When you do discover the problem, do write back and let me know how Max is going!