## Overview Tail fracture is a break of one or more caudal vertebrae from direct trauma such as kicks, catching the tail in a door, or improper tail wrapping. The tail may deviate, swell, show crepitus, and hang limply below the fracture site. ## Causes Trauma. ## Diagnosis Palpation and radiographs. ## Treatment Rest. Most heal without surgery. Severely unstable or open fractures may need stabilization or partial amputation in rare cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. A permanent kink may remain. ## Prevention Careful handling of the tail and safe stable design.
deviation of the tail; swelling; pain on palpation; crepitus; tail may hang limply below the fracture
## Overview Tail fracture is a break of one or more caudal vertebrae from direct trauma such as kicks, catching the tail in a door, or improper tail wrapping. The tail may deviate, swell, show crepitus, and hang limply below the fracture site. ## Causes Trauma. ## Diagnosis Palpation and radiographs. ## Treatment Rest. Most heal without surgery. Severely unstable or open fractures may need stabilization or partial amputation in rare cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. A permanent kink may remain. ## Prevention Careful handling of the tail and safe stable design.
deviation of the tail; swelling; pain on palpation; crepitus; tail may hang limply below the fracture