Dead Tail in Labrador

Mine had done it when hunting hard in deep water. I think it’s just basically sore from trying to hold it up out of the water or while swimming

Just needs some R & R. It's happened to my lab multiple times over her 10 years. Mostly during hunting season when I hunted her 4 or 5 days in a row in her younger days.

I've seen a few times in my lab

Its usually goes away after a few days.

Especially after swimming more than usual like someone pointed out earlier

Rimadyl

This stuff is really cheap. I did notice a warning when I googled it that said carprofen (rimadyl) and ibuprofen are in the same class of drugs but to not give dogs ibuprofen, it could harm them.

My 9 year old had it his first season. Vet prescribed rimadyl and rest. Never had it again. My 1 year old recently got it after spending some time with me in the pond while I was brushing the blind. The water was deep enough where he was basically swim/walking. I gave him some galliprant and rest and he was good to go in a few days. It happens, and not just in cold water. It also doesn’t seem to matter how well conditioned the dog is. I wouldn’t hold him back once he’s fully healed. The only thing that worries me about super cold is hypothermia.

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Would you hunt them if he still showing signs or no? I figure he’ll most likely be good by Friday or Saturday regardless. But with my luck, this is looking to be best weekend of season….

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If it was still bothering him I wouldn’t hunt him, but mine have healed up in 2-3 days so he should be fine. Just don’t let him get too rambunctious.

Yup I’ve always heard it called cold water tail too. I’ve had several dogs that have had it after strenuous work or exercise. Just give him some R&R and it’ll be better in a couple days. My current 2.5 yr old had it once after a long day…surprised he doesn’t get it more often since he constantly wags his tail the whole time we’re in the blind. Guess it’s because he hasn’t had to retrieve many birds this yr ??

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Would you hunt them if he still showing signs or no?

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My rule of thumb with all the dogs I have ever owned is if they can get in the truck they going if I am going. They exist for hunting...I'd rather mine have one more hunt than 10 years of life without hunting. Mine had a possible cancerous growth on her foot in September and we scheduled surgery for later this month to get her through the season. The vet called about 2 weeks after initial diagnosis and said they had a cancellation if we wanted to do it early. I never considered it. My family was madder than hell at me about it but the vet had told us it was probably not cancer and if it was was common and usually not fatal and usually did not spread. They finally made me feel guilty enough that we did get her operated on in early December. She was fine, thank goodness, but she missed several days in the blind because I went against my better judgement. If I have the choice between going duck hunting and getting surgery I am going duck hunting...my lab is more ate up with hunting ducks than I am. I am certain she and I are on the same page on this subject...if we can get in the truck we going.