A German shepherd named Jade is being cared for by the Kelowna BC SPCA after she was brought in for a serious tail injury with a misleading name.
Kelowna SPCA manager Shannon Paille says Jade’s tail was in terrible shape because of “happy tail syndrome,” which causes excessive wagging.
She says Jade’s tail was bleeding, showing exposed bone, and had to be amputated.
“Happy tail [syndrome] is typically caused by the dog wagging their tail so vigorously that they damage it on objects in the environment. So, we were expecting some damage to the tip of the tail, because that tends to be the presenting symptom,” Paille told CityNews.
“But a good 80 per cent of her tail had significant tissue damage, probably caused by her licking and chewing at whatever the original injury may have been.”
Jade was reportedly brought in wearing a makeshift muzzle of her former owner’s making.
Paille says homemade muzzles are a dangerous idea for dogs.
“[The BC SPCA’s] recommendations for muzzles are that you use them for dogs who have a bite history, and the dogs are trained and conditioned to wear a muzzle comfortably,” she explained.
“The best muzzles for that are those basket-style muzzles, which allow a dog to take treats and drink and open their mouth to pant if they’re getting warm. Muzzles that keep the mouth closed, like this homemade muzzle that was on Jade, would not have allowed her to easily breathe.”
Paille added that Jade is recovering at a good pace and will be ready to find her ‘forever home’ soon.
“We’re getting all of her information ready to post her on our website — to start gathering applications. She’ll be available for meet-and-greets. She’s a happy, bouncy girl. She’s ready to start meeting people and find her perfect family.”
—With files from Cole Schisler