Yorkie tails... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

nlb1947 · 01-12-2013, 02:08 PM

Hi all,

I have an issue with my Jilly's tail, and it is going to be docked after her birthday. (My vet said to wait so that she will look pretty for her party pics - LOL)

Long story short, the breeder I got her from did not dock the tails because she wanted to go with UK standards. Jilly is a parti-color, she is my baby - not a show dog - so I was going to leave it as it is. My groomer has her sister, Mia, and Mia carries her tail up over her back, much like my Maltese and Shih Tzu do. Jilly, however doesn't. She carries it down and at a weird angle most of the time, even though she can carry it up. The issues are that it is a "poop catcher/magnet" - which I could deal with - but mainly that she HATES her tail! My vet doesn't think that it hurts her, and it does not appear to have been broken before I got her, but she truly detests it! It isn't normal "chasing the tail" play - she out and out would like to have it gone. I have talked to my vet, and she agreed that we should do it after her birthday.

I am looking for advice as to how long it should be, as my vet said that it is my choice. My Molly - who is at Rainbow Bridge - was docked when I got her, and I would just like some input as to how long I should leave it. She is quite small - five pounds on an extra cookie day - and petite.

I hate to put her through the surgery, but my vet assures me that it won't be horrible for her, and because of how much it irritates her, this is the best thing to do. She said that the recovery time will be short and waiting until after her birthday is for cosmetic reasons only because the hair won't have grown back yet. (Her birthday is Feb 12).

Does anybody have any ideas for me?

Thanks so much.

Nancy
Sara, Manny, and Jilly

nanahas3 · 01-12-2013, 06:55 PM

I don't have any advice as all mine were docked when I got them. I would think it would be like any surgery and come with pain after. Best of luck and prayers for your little one.

Verbena · 01-12-2013, 07:27 PM

Hi and welcome to yt. I am getting a Biewer. As per standard they do not dock their tails. that is one of the things i love about them. I feel bad that she does not like her tail.

just a little bit of info for you. Usually yorkies are docked at 2 to 3days old because the puppy does not have a fully developed nervous system. If done later, it would be considered a major surgery and would be painful. Just make sure you get some pain relievers for her.

I wish you both good luck and good thoughts sent out to the both of you. Please keep us updated how she does.

AbbyMax · 01-12-2013, 07:32 PM

My dogs both had their tails docked when I got them. At two years, their tails are about an inch in length. (Mine are 5 and 7 pounds).

noochie2742 · 01-12-2013, 07:45 PM

mine are all docked suri and sadie's are about an inch long they are 5 and 6 pounds tukka's is same maybe he is 1-2 pounds he is a tiny my lord tiny twinkle toes is longer 2 inches he is 2-3 pounds my first two are 5 and 3 yra tiny and tukka are full brothers 6 months old.good luck get pain meds for her.

nlb1947 · 01-12-2013, 08:36 PM

Thanks everybody - any input is very much appreciated. I know that it is major surgery - it is called amputation if done when they aren't newborns, and that is the reason why I was going to just leave it long. If she wasn't so annoyed by it, I still would leave it, but she truly hates it! Who knows why her sister carries her tail over her back (like my Maltese) and she doesn't, but for some reason she carries it arched down and then to one side most of the time. She CAN hold it up, she just doesn't very often. My vet is wonderful, and she will have pain meds for sure. Now that it has come to this, I wish they had been docked right after they were born, but who knew? My Molly's was done when I got her, so I didn't expect this - poor baby...
Verbena, being a parti, Jilly has a lot of Biewer traits. Her chest gets whiter by the day! (And her sister, Mia, is blonde/gold). She is basically "yorkie colored" with a white chest.
Thanks again everyone - I really appreciate the help, and I will be a wreck the day that she is done. Thankfully, she will come home the same day...

DBlain · 01-13-2013, 04:51 AM

that is so sad, Lola is a mix and thankfully carries her tail the way the way your groomers dog does. I have such mixed feelings about doing it later in life so if possible do tons of goggling on this to see if you can find others that have been though this. I do know that Lola's tail is quite long and if she did not carry it up like she does it could be a burden for her because it is rather large and long for her small body. Also a long tail that is not held up could be an accident waiting to happen like getting slammed in a door or caught in something, so I can certainly understand your concern. Is your vet a certified surgeon, if not perhaps seek one out, or find out how many current later in life dockings your vet has done and see if they will let you talk to a few that have had it. I don't know your vet but years ago I went to one of the top vets in town, who I now realize was all about the money, when I talked about how much my first yorkie barked he told me about the debarking operation and make very light of it, well I can tell you it was the most painful recovery for the dog, nothing like he indicated it would be so I am glad you are hear checking all this out. I hope you find people that have had this done because they will be able to give you the best help.

LOL I guess I should answer your question, IMO don't go as short as yorkies you see around, some are docked way to short, go at least 2" or perhaps just above the part that seems to bend weird, or a good surgeon should be able to guide you. Good Luck, I can just imagine how worrisome this must be.

PS I hope you don't mind my comments, I just wish someone was there for me asking me to check more into that first surgery on my dog, I know you will do what is best

wisteria · 01-13-2013, 05:26 AM

This saddens me that you have to have her tail docked. As a good mommy you will make certain she is pain free when she comes home. I totally get why you must do it.

Our Bella's tail was not docked and she carries it perfectly, it looks like a feather. I asked our vet about it when she went for her first visit and she said she would not dock it because it would be for cosmetic reasons only, now I can't imagine her without it.

Marhcarter · 01-13-2013, 05:58 AM

One of my parents King Charles Cavaliers got cancer in his tail and had to have it docked. He is only 4 years old. He did very well and didnt seem to be in pain, although you can tell he misses his beautiful, long plumed tail.

ritapatt · 01-13-2013, 07:11 AM

My Ziva has a short 1" docked tail, I was always glad it was done because she carries even the nub tucked under and down,when it does wag it is more hanging down not up.
Abby was docked by the same vet and has the same 1" nub that would have been a wonderful tail! -Always twisting and held high and happy. I am sorry that Abby was docked but thankful that Ziva's is quite short and tucked neatly, not sticking out straight or hanging sadly.

Harrysmum · 01-13-2013, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nlb1947

Hi all,

I have an issue with my Jilly's tail, and it is going to be docked after her birthday. (My vet said to wait so that she will look pretty for her party pics - LOL)

Long story short, the breeder I got her from did not dock the tails because she wanted to go with UK standards. Jilly is a parti-color, she is my baby - not a show dog - so I was going to leave it as it is. My groomer has her sister, Mia, and Mia carries her tail up over her back, much like my Maltese and Shih Tzu do. Jilly, however doesn't. She carries it down and at a weird angle most of the time, even though she can carry it up. The issues are that it is a "poop catcher/magnet" - which I could deal with - but mainly that she HATES her tail! My vet doesn't think that it hurts her, and it does not appear to have been broken before I got her, but she truly detests it! It isn't normal "chasing the tail" play - she out and out would like to have it gone. I have talked to my vet, and she agreed that we should do it after her birthday.

I am looking for advice as to how long it should be, as my vet said that it is my choice. My Molly - who is at Rainbow Bridge - was docked when I got her, and I would just like some input as to how long I should leave it. She is quite small - five pounds on an extra cookie day - and petite.

I hate to put her through the surgery, but my vet assures me that it won't be horrible for her, and because of how much it irritates her, this is the best thing to do. She said that the recovery time will be short and waiting until after her birthday is for cosmetic reasons only because the hair won't have grown back yet. (Her birthday is Feb 12).

Does anybody have any ideas for me?

Thanks so much.

Nancy
Sara, Manny, and Jilly

I am so, so sorry that your little girl is going to have to go through all this

I promise I'm not being anti - just cautionary.

Many years ago we had a Boxer with a long tail (before it was 'the norm' in the UK). She broke her tail, and had to have the amputation. You could then see the white, bone end of the nub.

She was on antibiotics, pain meds etc. and also had to wear a lampshade collar for many weeks. The hair eventually grew over the end of the nub - but she never, ever forgot what was missing - a bit like a human with an amputated leg that itches.

She used to carry on at it and lick it...and time after time we had to return to the vet because it was raw or bleeding - it was heart-wrenching, but we had no choice.

There's good and bad in every scenario - I'm sorry but I just had to let you know our experience. Sally + Harry x

ritapatt · 01-13-2013, 07:48 AM

My Wheaten has trouble with the end of her docked tail, gets raw and it scabs. But it was due to a poor docking job by an inexperienced breeder. She didn't leave enough skin to cover the dock. Abby and Zivas have a little pad of flesh folded over the end.

Harrysmum · 01-13-2013, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ritapatt

My Wheaten has trouble with the end of her docked tail, gets raw and it scabs. But it was due to a poor docking job by an inexperienced breeder. She didn't leave enough skin to cover the dock. Abby and Zivas have a little pad of flesh folded over the end.

You just never know which way it's going to go, do you? How the Littlies are going to react?

Our very, very experienced vet did our Boxer's....I just pray that all goes well for her. Sally + Harry x

R_Z · 01-13-2013, 08:41 AM

Bailey has his full tail. We wouldn't have it any other way.

nlb1947 · 01-13-2013, 10:12 AM

Thanks again everybody. All of your support is greatly appreciated! We discussed her tail when I took her for her first vet check, and both my vet and I agreed that she should keep it because docking would definitely be for cosmetic reasons only. I love my baby, and I don't care that she has a tail... But now because of the issues with it - mainly how much she detests it! - we need to do it. I also worry about the accident thing - the hair on her tail is very long already... Because of the way that she carries it - off to the side as well as down - and her reaction to it, we wonder if it is too heavy for her, or if it is uncomfortable for her, or what. Something isn't right with it, that is for certain! I am very comfortable with my vet doing the docking. She specializes in surgery. When Jilly was spayed and wearing a soft e collar, she got depressed from being in the x pen (even though it was right at my side) and wouldn't eat. She was only two pounds at the time, so I took her in. My vet is one who literally sits on the floor to play with a new baby, and she decided that the e collar was too heavy for Jilly's little body. She took her downstairs and made her a "dress" out of stockinette so that she didn't have to wear the collar anymore. We have discussed the "flap" of skin being stitched around the bone so that there won't be a callous present, and I think it will all be okay - even though I will be a basket case until she is out of surgery and home with me!
Thanks again - I am appreciating the input, advice, and am very thankful for the good wishes! (On a side note, my kids always tell me - jokingly - that I never worried about them as much as I do these little bodies. LOL)
Nancy,
Sara, Manny, and soon-to be docked, Jilly

01-12-2013, 02:08 PM	#1
nlb1947 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2012 Location: North Conway, NH USA Posts: 8	Yorkie tails... Hi all, I have an issue with my Jilly's tail, and it is going to be docked after her birthday. (My vet said to wait so that she will look pretty for her party pics - LOL) Long story short, the breeder I got her from did not dock the tails because she wanted to go with UK standards. Jilly is a parti-color, she is my baby - not a show dog - so I was going to leave it as it is. My groomer has her sister, Mia, and Mia carries her tail up over her back, much like my Maltese and Shih Tzu do. Jilly, however doesn't. She carries it down and at a weird angle most of the time, even though she can carry it up. The issues are that it is a "poop catcher/magnet" - which I could deal with - but mainly that she HATES her tail! My vet doesn't think that it hurts her, and it does not appear to have been broken before I got her, but she truly detests it! It isn't normal "chasing the tail" play - she out and out would like to have it gone. I have talked to my vet, and she agreed that we should do it after her birthday. I am looking for advice as to how long it should be, as my vet said that it is my choice. My Molly - who is at Rainbow Bridge - was docked when I got her, and I would just like some input as to how long I should leave it. She is quite small - five pounds on an extra cookie day - and petite. I hate to put her through the surgery, but my vet assures me that it won't be horrible for her, and because of how much it irritates her, this is the best thing to do. She said that the recovery time will be short and waiting until after her birthday is for cosmetic reasons only because the hair won't have grown back yet. (Her birthday is Feb 12). Does anybody have any ideas for me? Thanks so much. Nancy Sara, Manny, and Jilly

01-12-2013, 06:55 PM	#2
nanahas3 ♥Love My Snuggle Bugs♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 4,290	I don't have any advice as all mine were docked when I got them. I would think it would be like any surgery and come with pain after. Best of luck and prayers for your little one. __________________ *CharleneMama to Laddy and Kyra and Always in our hearts Lolita*

01-12-2013, 07:27 PM	#3
Verbena Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: with my flying monkeys Posts: 15,620 Blog Entries: 7	Hi and welcome to yt. I am getting a Biewer. As per standard they do not dock their tails. that is one of the things i love about them. I feel bad that she does not like her tail. just a little bit of info for you. Usually yorkies are docked at 2 to 3days old because the puppy does not have a fully developed nervous system. If done later, it would be considered a major surgery and would be painful. Just make sure you get some pain relievers for her. I wish you both good luck and good thoughts sent out to the both of you. Please keep us updated how she does. __________________ Teri . . . Galen Jameson Frazier Seraphina Luna Rosencrantz, Saber Tooth Tiger, Pussy Willow Pandora Guildenstern

01-12-2013, 07:45 PM	#5
noochie2742 YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: windsor,maine,usa Posts: 259 Blog Entries: 2	mine are all docked suri and sadie's are about an inch long they are 5 and 6 pounds tukka's is same maybe he is 1-2 pounds he is a tiny my lord tiny twinkle toes is longer 2 inches he is 2-3 pounds my first two are 5 and 3 yra tiny and tukka are full brothers 6 months old.good luck get pain meds for her. __________________ Shannon-Marie mama bear to Sadie Ann, lord tiny twinkle toes, tukka, rip suri 2/2/13 baron Von munchkin toes 6/26/12 - 10/20/12.

01-13-2013, 04:51 AM	#7
DBlain Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oakland County MI Posts: 6,190	that is so sad, Lola is a mix and thankfully carries her tail the way the way your groomers dog does. I have such mixed feelings about doing it later in life so if possible do tons of goggling on this to see if you can find others that have been though this. I do know that Lola's tail is quite long and if she did not carry it up like she does it could be a burden for her because it is rather large and long for her small body. Also a long tail that is not held up could be an accident waiting to happen like getting slammed in a door or caught in something, so I can certainly understand your concern. Is your vet a certified surgeon, if not perhaps seek one out, or find out how many current later in life dockings your vet has done and see if they will let you talk to a few that have had it. I don't know your vet but years ago I went to one of the top vets in town, who I now realize was all about the money, when I talked about how much my first yorkie barked he told me about the debarking operation and make very light of it, well I can tell you it was the most painful recovery for the dog, nothing like he indicated it would be so I am glad you are hear checking all this out. I hope you find people that have had this done because they will be able to give you the best help. LOL I guess I should answer your question, IMO don't go as short as yorkies you see around, some are docked way to short, go at least 2" or perhaps just above the part that seems to bend weird, or a good surgeon should be able to guide you. Good Luck, I can just imagine how worrisome this must be. PS I hope you don't mind my comments, I just wish someone was there for me asking me to check more into that first surgery on my dog, I know you will do what is best __________________ Lola my amazing little yorkie-pom Donna Last edited by DBlain; 01-13-2013 at 04:53 AM.

01-12-2013, 07:32 PM	#4
AbbyMax Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 481	My dogs both had their tails docked when I got them. At two years, their tails are about an inch in length. (Mine are 5 and 7 pounds).

01-12-2013, 08:36 PM	#6
nlb1947 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2012 Location: North Conway, NH USA Posts: 8	Thanks everybody - any input is very much appreciated. I know that it is major surgery - it is called amputation if done when they aren't newborns, and that is the reason why I was going to just leave it long. If she wasn't so annoyed by it, I still would leave it, but she truly hates it! Who knows why her sister carries her tail over her back (like my Maltese) and she doesn't, but for some reason she carries it arched down and then to one side most of the time. She CAN hold it up, she just doesn't very often. My vet is wonderful, and she will have pain meds for sure. Now that it has come to this, I wish they had been docked right after they were born, but who knew? My Molly's was done when I got her, so I didn't expect this - poor baby... Verbena, being a parti, Jilly has a lot of Biewer traits. Her chest gets whiter by the day! (And her sister, Mia, is blonde/gold). She is basically "yorkie colored" with a white chest. Thanks again everyone - I really appreciate the help, and I will be a wreck the day that she is done. Thankfully, she will come home the same day...

01-13-2013, 05:26 AM	#8
wisteria YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Easton, PA Posts: 593	This saddens me that you have to have her tail docked. As a good mommy you will make certain she is pain free when she comes home. I totally get why you must do it. Our Bella's tail was not docked and she carries it perfectly, it looks like a feather. I asked our vet about it when she went for her first visit and she said she would not dock it because it would be for cosmetic reasons only, now I can't imagine her without it. __________________ Bella's Mom....& loving each moment!

01-13-2013, 05:58 AM	#9
Marhcarter ♡Huey's Human♡ Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ringgold, Ga Posts: 3,333	One of my parents King Charles Cavaliers got cancer in his tail and had to have it docked. He is only 4 years old. He did very well and didnt seem to be in pain, although you can tell he misses his beautiful, long plumed tail. __________________ Huey's mom, Marilyn :When a day starts & ends with puppy kisses, I can handle anything that comes in between!

01-13-2013, 07:11 AM	#10
ritapatt YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Merritt Island,FL Posts: 1,400	My Ziva has a short 1" docked tail, I was always glad it was done because she carries even the nub tucked under and down,when it does wag it is more hanging down not up. Abby was docked by the same vet and has the same 1" nub that would have been a wonderful tail! -Always twisting and held high and happy. I am sorry that Abby was docked but thankful that Ziva's is quite short and tucked neatly, not sticking out straight or hanging sadly.

01-13-2013, 07:48 AM	#12
ritapatt YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Merritt Island,FL Posts: 1,400	My Wheaten has trouble with the end of her docked tail, gets raw and it scabs. But it was due to a poor docking job by an inexperienced breeder. She didn't leave enough skin to cover the dock. Abby and Zivas have a little pad of flesh folded over the end.

01-13-2013, 08:41 AM	#14
R_Z Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Memphis, TN USA Posts: 1,078	Bailey has his full tail. We wouldn't have it any other way.

01-13-2013, 10:12 AM	#15
nlb1947 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2012 Location: North Conway, NH USA Posts: 8	Thanks again everybody. All of your support is greatly appreciated! We discussed her tail when I took her for her first vet check, and both my vet and I agreed that she should keep it because docking would definitely be for cosmetic reasons only. I love my baby, and I don't care that she has a tail... But now because of the issues with it - mainly how much she detests it! - we need to do it. I also worry about the accident thing - the hair on her tail is very long already... Because of the way that she carries it - off to the side as well as down - and her reaction to it, we wonder if it is too heavy for her, or if it is uncomfortable for her, or what. Something isn't right with it, that is for certain! I am very comfortable with my vet doing the docking. She specializes in surgery. When Jilly was spayed and wearing a soft e collar, she got depressed from being in the x pen (even though it was right at my side) and wouldn't eat. She was only two pounds at the time, so I took her in. My vet is one who literally sits on the floor to play with a new baby, and she decided that the e collar was too heavy for Jilly's little body. She took her downstairs and made her a "dress" out of stockinette so that she didn't have to wear the collar anymore. We have discussed the "flap" of skin being stitched around the bone so that there won't be a callous present, and I think it will all be okay - even though I will be a basket case until she is out of surgery and home with me! Thanks again - I am appreciating the input, advice, and am very thankful for the good wishes! (On a side note, my kids always tell me - jokingly - that I never worried about them as much as I do these little bodies. LOL) Nancy, Sara, Manny, and soon-to be docked, Jilly