Bulldog Tail Amputation: All You Need to Know
While it might sound scary at first, bulldog tail amputation is not something you should worry about. The surgical procedure of removing the tail serves to prevent infection and inflammation of the tail and the area around it.
Let’s take a closer look into the topic and determine whether your bulldog needs a tail amputation.
What is a Bulldog Tail Amputation?
Bulldog tail amputation is a delicate surgical procedure where the end portion of a dog’s spine is removed. That’s what we call “tail”. Tail amputation serves to prevent recurring infections around the tail, which some bulldog breeds are prone to. In these cases, it’s beneficial for your dog to have its tail removed.
Is The Tail Amputation Necessary?
You should consider tail amputation if your bulldog is suffering from sores and infections in the area even after receiving adequate care. Also, it’s important to note that bulldogs with inverted tails, corkscrew tails, and deep tail pockets are more prone to issues compared to bulldogs with straight tails.
When To Do It?
Firstly, you should try to heal and prevent sores and inflammation by cleaning the area. The best way to do this is by using hydrogen peroxide and a cotton ball. Keep the area dry to prevent any further infection. You can also try antibiotics but consult the vet prior to any treatment.
However, if the problem persists after applying adequate care, tail amputation might be your only option. Your veterinarian will most probably recommend a bulldog’s tail amputation.
The Surgical Procedure
Before the surgery itself, veterinarians will run lab tests on your bulldog to see if it’s fit enough for surgery. Anaesthesia is applied in the surgery so it’s necessary that your dog is healthy in order to handle it.
After the results are positive, your dog is put under anaesthesia. Once the effects are on, the surgeon determines the point on the tail where he’ll perform the surgery.
When everything is ready, the surgeon will proceed to amputate a part of the tail. After the successful procedure, your bulldog will most probably spend the night in the pet hospital.
It’s a common procedure nowadays, considered to be routinely done, and your dog shouldn’t face any difficulties. With that being said, there’s no reason to worry!
Care After The Procedure
After the successful tail amputation, you should clean and dry your bulldog’s wound for the next 30 days. After that, the wound should be completely healed. Your vet might also prescribe some medications such as antibiotics or painkillers. He will give you clear instructions on using them properly.
It’s recommended to use an Elizabethan collar until the wound is healed as your bulldog will try to bite it. Same as you would scratch a healing wound.
Bulldog Tail Amputation Cost
Bulldog tail amputation can cost anywhere from $700 to $3000. There are many factors that go into determining the final price of your bulldog’s tail amputation. Things such as geographical location, length of stay, the extent of the injury, and the clinic itself. The expertise of the surgeon also influences the price, but it’s highly recommended to go with a bulldog specialist even though it might come pricier compared to a usual veterinary surgeon.
The price should include the cost of anaesthesia, hospital admission, surgical fee, lab tests, medications, and anything else included in the procedure.
While it Might Sound Scary at First, It’s Not Something You Should Worry About!
Always make sure to go through precautionary measures first and use hydrogen peroxide to clean the inflamed area and sores. If the issue reoccurs, visit the veterinarian and see if antibiotics can help.
If neither of those things helped, it’s best for your bulldog to undergo a tail amputation surgery. This will prevent any further issues and allow your bulldog to live a long and happy life!
Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion before deciding on whether your bulldog should have its tail amputated or not.
I adopted my 9 year old bulldog when he was 4. He came with a horribly infected tail pocket. The gunk coming out was black. He was miserable. I tried everything to clean and manage his pocket tail, and finally decided on amputation. It was the BEST decision ever. He’s no longer living in discomfort and a happy social butterfly.
I wish I could put a post picture of my sweet girl with no tail. She actually had to have some extra skin around her vagina removed at the same time which was a lot more invasive than the tail removal. It was a rough 10 days of recovery, but the tail pocket issues were so much worse. I wish we would’ve had it removed six months prior.