Cold-water tail or Limber tail Syndrome is a condition known throughout the working dog

world, but many breeds suffer from it, including Rottweilers. Not a great deal is known about

the condition, but it is thought the base of the tail temprarily becomes 'dead' by cold water, or

in my own Rottweiler's case, persistently sitting in the snow.

The dog holds out the base of the tail for say 4 or 5 inches then the rest hangs limply, not even a wag. Thankfully it is only comparatively short-lived from approx. 2 to 5 days.

Some Veterinary Surgeons will suggest medication as some dogs do suffer pain. In my own

case I put warm compresses on base of tail two or three times daily, and after 5 days the tail

was as normal.

No medication given, but this must be the owner's decision. Rottweilers as is

known are very stoic, but other breeds may not be so, so pain relief may be indicated.

It is best to know what to do if this condition occurs, but of course there are other reasons why

the tail may seem 'dead' so Veterinary help is a 'must' if in any doubt. Obviously this

condition may happen frequently in the future, so it is only sensible to be prepared.

Joyce Summers 2010