Why is my dog's tail bent, painful, and he won't wag or lift it?

Question

My dogs tail looks bent and he won't let anyone touch it and he won't put it up. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old

Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist · Accepted Answer

Hello. It's hard to know without seeing the dog but he might have a sprained tail, or "swimmer's tail." This is a common condition in large breed dogs like labs who overexert themselves by running for hours, hunting, or swimming. They overuse the tail and it becomes very swollen at the base, extending 2-5 inches toward the tip. These dogs won't wag or use their tails and are very painful when you touch this area. It usually resolves on its own but I like to prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medication because these dogs are usually really painful. If it isn't much better now, I'd take him to your veterinarian for pain meds!

Why is my dog's tail bent, painful, and he won't wag or lift it?

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