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Vet warns of 'screw tail' dangers
"Unfortunately, 'screw tail' is an issue that is common in these breeds." - Bart Hendrickx.
'We are seeing an increase in these congenital tail malformations.' 

A vet at West Midlands Referrals (WMR) has warned pet owners about the dangers of chronic pain and infection caused by screw tail – a condition which affects English and French bulldogs and pugs.

Screw tail, also known as 'ingrown tail' and 'corkscrew tail', is a genetic abnormality, where fused tail vertebrae form a spiral curvature, which can cause excessive skin folds, tail immobility, and anal obstruction. 

Bart Hendrickx, senior veterinary surgeon at West Midlands Veterinary Referrals in Staffordshire, spoke out about the problem after performing a tail amputation on a French bulldog. 

Bart said: “Screw tail is a developmental issue where the dog’s tail is formed into a corkscrew that twists the overlying skin into pockets and recesses. 

“This moist, warm area is then a perfect environment for growth of microbes, which then lead to chronic infection causing significant discomfort. 

“The only way to deal with this is to remove the warm damp recesses and that means the amputation of the cork-screw tail and with it the infected skin folds. 

“There is no other way to solve the problem but, fortunately, there are no adverse consequences of removing the tail, which in these breeds is stumpy and essentially immobile anyway. 

“Unfortunately, though, ‘screw tail’ is an issue that is common in these breeds and we are seeing an increase in these congenital tail malformations and deformities.” 

Bart spoke up about the condition after operating on Pippi, the French bulldog – who had a screw tail malformation with secondary pyoderma, and was referred to WMR for surgery. 

Pippi's operation lasted for 30 minutes, and she has since made a full recovery. 

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.