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Swish of Tail
Tom O Sullivan Ireland (Verified User) Posts 11 Dogs 0 / Races 0 02 Apr 2015 09:50
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I'm relatively new to this game but did hear on occasions at the track if a dog swishes his tail then they must be injured. I don't know if this swishing is constant or a once off but the comments were always the same. I would like to here from the experts on this matter as when I see dogs traveling around the track the tail is curled up and remains stationary for the majority of cases. My question is if a pup is galloping in a field should the tail be in a stationary curled position or is it fine to see the tail moving around. Are they just enjoying themselves as they are moving fine with no other signs of anything out of place.
Steve Harvey Australia (Verified User) Posts 1175 Dogs 0 / Races 0 02 Apr 2015 11:03
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Tom O Sullivan wrote:
I'm relatively new to this game but did hear on occasions at the track if a dog swishes his tail then they must be injured. I don't know if this swishing is constant or a once off but the comments were always the same. I would like to here from the experts on this matter as when I see dogs traveling around the track the tail is curled up and remains stationary for the majority of cases. My question is if a pup is galloping in a field should the tail be in a stationary curled position or is it fine to see the tail moving around. Are they just enjoying themselves as they are moving fine with no other signs of anything out of place.
Hi Tom. This is a pretty "grey area" & has a lot of if's & buts as each case can be different m8. Normally in some cases when a K9 stretch's out ok in the straight but slows down considerably on the approach & through the turns & it lifts its head + raise its tail & whirls it usually is a sign that the K9 has soreness or inflammation in the metacarpal area with excess fluid about 1/2 way along the metacarpal bones in a lot of cases. Saying that as I said each is an individual case & should be assessed that way. As 4 tail positioning during a gallop that can vary greatly between each K9, some have a slight taper 2 the rail, some 2 the outside, some straight etc etc. If the K9's tail position looks the same 2 you in all its gallops chances are that it is fine BUT if K9 shows the symptoms as mentioned earlier there is a chance there it has metacarpal soreness especially in youngsters in the initial stages of its preparation. I hope this post may have cleared up any concerns you may have Tom. Best wishes m8.
Tom O Sullivan Ireland (Verified User) Posts 11 Dogs 0 / Races 0 02 Apr 2015 11:17
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Thanks for reply Steve, Still not sure but will examine the metacarpal area. Pups have not seen a track yet but just galloping in the field. Maybe I'm over concerned at this early stage as just learning the game. I tend to watch for anything unusual. Thanks again.
They use their tails for balance so if the pup is just running loose in a field or fenced paddock his tail could be going in all directions simply because the pup is playing and changing direction all the time.But raising of the head and tail swishing running round a bend on the track at speed would suggest something is not right.
Carole Brown Australia (Verified User) Posts 32355 Dogs 185 / Races 2 02 Apr 2015 11:42
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Tom, if they are galloping in a field, the surface will often be uneven. This can put a dog off balance if they happen to strike a dip in the surface. This will make their tail go up, as they will be off balance. If it happens on a track, usually on a turn, something will have put them off balance, and then you go looking for reasons.
Tom O Sullivan Ireland (Verified User) Posts 11 Dogs 0 / Races 0 02 Apr 2015 12:09
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Thanks Jonjo,
This sounds like what is happening. Yes the pup is running loose in the field so maybe no need to worry.
Thanks again
Tom O Sullivan Ireland (Verified User) Posts 11 Dogs 0 / Races 0 02 Apr 2015 12:12
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Thanks Carole,
The balance thing seems to make sense in an uneven surfaced field. I will keep checking and keep you posted.
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