Shae is 11 weeks old and I got her two weeks ago when she was 9 weeks. She has a long tail that looks like its been broke. Someone said that thier tails would coil up like a spring as they got older. Is this true? Or should I get it docked?

Hello Shae's Mama,

As I understand, the best breed standard for a Boston is to have a natural stub of a tail - not docked. Our guy's tail is about 2 inches (longer than standard) and kinks in the middle. Perhaps some could say it looks previously broken, but it's not, only quirky! Also, I have yet to see a pure Boston with a coiled tale. If you're unsure about typical characteristics, check out the American Kennel Club web site for breed standards. Personally, I would appreciate her unique tail and not get anything cut off. Congratulations on your new pup!

Hi,
I am a new owner of a Boston Terrier who was born 3/5/07. She has a nub of a tail which the vet said to always make sure it's clean as it has a little pocket. It has been.

Well mid July I had her spayed and dew claws removed, and the dew claws got infected. About 2-3 weeks into this, she sounded like she was wearing slippers and I thought it was her bandages. She was beginning to drag her back legs.

It has gotten progressively worse. I took her to the vet yesterday and after watching her, they said she had conscious proprioreception of her legs and it could be neurological or a mini stroke. He took xrays and found her tail bone appeared fragmented on xray implying she had Osteomyelitis due to her short tail. Luckily it hasn't ascended, yet. She now has started antibiotics for 21 days and a prednisone taper. He feels that the dew claw infection may have seeded to the tail area or vice versa. I have started her treatment last night and should see results in a week. The vet will stay in contact with me on this.

He mentioned that he had a Rotti with the same situation. I was wondering if anyone has ever had a similiar problem. I pray that this will be the answer as she is a bright and affectionate little girl!

Thanks,
Michelle and Sophie (lil boston)

tedford5: sorry to here about your situation. What was the reason for de-clawing? I thought that was only for cats?

Shae's Mama: butters tail is about 14" long and is kinked in three places. It was never broken, it's super cute

Hey there,

I had her dew claws removed to prevent any future problems with them such as getting caught in her collar, etc.

Regarding her tail, we are into our 2nd week of treatment with her osteomyelitis in her tailbone d/t the docking of her tail (done before I got her and was unknown to me at that time of purchase) and she responded at first but as we have tried to taper her Prednisone it was like we never started her treatment. To see her, just breaks your heart. The worst part is she is unaware that her back end doesn't work right, as she falls down the stairs, can't get up, drags her toes and bleeds...she can't play with her friends though she tries and I am there wincing for her. It brings tears to my eyes all the time. The next step his a specialist and a CT scan and the prognosis is not good.

I have spoken to the breeder and I am driving Sophie back to her tomorrow. She wants to try to heal her herself with her vet. The next step will really be to have Sophie put to rest as this is not fair to her and she can not be on Prednisone long term. She is only 6 months old. Very sad situation and I WILL ask about tail docking the next time I purchase my pet!

Michelle and Sophie

jeas! i get goose bumps with such a story. people don't realize that hte tail containsspinal nerves. this is often the case when a dog is docked at a later age. docking should only be done with in th first 3 days after birth. this is when the nervessystem isn't developed propely yet. the chance that ther becomes damage in the nervessystem is minimal. dogs that are docked at a later stage often have a lot of problems and pain in the docked area. this also why docking is forbidden in the netherlands!

i hope you puppy will recover. it's really sad that hte pup has to live the conciquences...........