Ask the Veterinarian/Broken Tail??

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Expert: - 2/24/2010


Question
Firstly, I already called a few vets last night and none were able to take my dog in for a whole week. None of them reacted like this was an emergency. I am still worried though. I have a 5 year old chihuahua. Last night I noticed the very tip of her tail (maybe the last inch) looked different. I felt the area and it felt "broken" but Im not sure if this is the case. She is acting 100% normal, eating, playing, barking, licking, etc. No crying when I touch her tail, no whimpering, etc. I researched online and I found that a broken tail is an emergency when it is broken near the base of the tail, by the butt. I read that if there is a broken end that it usually cannot be splinted in order to heal (much like a broken toe on a human) and usually heals on its own. What should I do? Let it heal on its own? Keep looking until I find a vet that will look at her? I don't know what info to trust online. I would have already taken her last night but it was late and no one was open and I could not afford the "emergency fee" one vet had. Thanks.

Answer
There is nothing you can do at home but if you are worried enough to call the vet today then get her in for a regular exam. It really isn't an emergency since she is just fine in every other way- but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have it looked at.

I would call your regular vet today and get her when you can.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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