My 3-month puppy's tail is limp and swollen. Is it limber tail?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This would warrant a veterinary evaluation for further assessment and treatment. These types of traumatic lesions can result in a fracture of the tail which can be quite painful. Even when a fracture is not present, this tends to result in a lot of pain. They would be able to evaluate her and at the very least start medications for pain. Good luck and have a good night!

Sounds like Flynn may have injured his tail and has what we refer to as limber tail. He should improve with time. In cases that are painful, we prescribe anti-inflammatories. In the event he fails to improve in 3 days, follow up with your veterinarian.

Limber tail syndrome, or acute caudal myopathy, is a disorder of the muscles in the tail, usually affecting working dogs. This condition is not a disease, but a symptom of overuse of the muscles of the tail which causes inflammation and pain. However, it has to be differentiated from other causes of pain in the tail, such as a fracture, cancer along the vertebra or spine, neurological disorders, metabolic disorders, intoxication, infection, and other disease. Without examining Cleo myself, I can't say for certain what is causing her pain. I'd recommend taking Cleo into your vet as soon as possible to have her tail examined.

She may have Limber tail syndrome which is basically a sprained tail. The condition can be painful so she may need an anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Have your vet examine her to determine if treatment is needed.

Difficulty walking is a situation that always warrants a visit to your veterinarian. We could have a musculoskeletal injury or a neurological issue, such as a herniated/slipped disk in the spine compressing the spinal cord. Your vet can do an examination to see if there are neurological deficits and may also recommend an x-ray to help determine the cause of the trouble walking, and if it is related to the swelling of the tail. Limber tail doesn't normally cause a swelling of the tail, but can cause the tail to be carried strangles, where it will stick out for an inch or two and then hang down limply. If the tail is truly swollen I would be more worried about an injury and x-ray may be needed.

There aren't any supplements or OTC medications that will make Stella feel better right now. I would recommend taking her to the vet for some prescription pain medications. It sounds like she has limber tail, or swimmer's tail, and rest and anti-inflammatories are the best treatment. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/acute-caudal-myopathy-limber-tail

A limp, painful tail can happen with a tail sprain or ‘swimmer’s tail’, but can also be a sign of a fracture or neurologic disease. Even though you are far from home it sounds like Wilbur may be in pain, so it would be a good idea to have him examined by an emergency vet near you.