indications for tail docking in dogs, its pros and cons

1. DOCKING
Tail amputation in dogs
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

3. Tail docking (dogs)
▪ Tail docking is defined as the removal of part of a healthy tail from a healthy
dog.
▪ Traditionally, this procedure was routinely performed in a number of specific
breeds including Boxers, Rottweilers and Dobermans, as well as in many
Spaniel and Terrier breeds.
▪ Puppies are usually tail docked at less than 5 days of age, and a varying
amount of the tip of the tail is removed, depending on the breed, normally by
using a scalpel blade or nail cutters.
10/14/202
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

4. why are dogs’ tails docked?
▪ Tail docking of dogs is believed to have arisen for three reasons at different points in history. In
ancient times Romans believed that amputation of the tail tip and/or parts of the dog’s tongue
could prevent a dog from contracting rabies.
▪ Because the tail was believed to help a dog in the chase, dogs were historically docked if they
were owned by a poor person not permitted to hunt game. (Ironically, it is sometimes argued
that docking increases a dog’s strength or speed.
▪ There is a continuing tradition of docking working dogs’ tails with the goal of preventing tail
injury during activities such as hunting.
10/14/202
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

5. Legal status of dog
tail docking and
ear cropping by
country
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

6. Main Facts
▪ The length of a docked tail varies depending on the breed of the dog. The idea is to
cut the tail short enough to make it close to the body
▪ For some other breeds like the Wire Fox Terrier, the tail is docked about three-
quarters of the original size.
▪ Docking is also often carried out as a means of correcting a puppy from a tailless
breed born with a tail.
▪ The surgery is typically performed on newborn puppies that are between 3 and 10
days old. Since it is usually done without anesthesia, there is a certain amount of
pain and trauma that accompanies the procedure.
10/14/202
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

7. How Are Tails Docked?
There are 2 common methods currently used for docking tails in
puppies
The first is by using surgical scissors or a scalpel blade to cut off a portion of the tail
(which also involves cutting through skin, muscle, cartilage, nerves, and vertebrae).
This is typically done between the ages of 2 and 14 days, with no anesthetic or pain
control.
If the procedure is performed by a veterinarian in a clinic, the end of tail is usually
sutured with a single stitch (but not always).
If the tail docking is done at home by a breeder or owner (which is legal in the United
States), tails are seldom stitched.
10/14/202
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

9. Surgical procedure second technique
▪ Placing a ligature, or tight band, around the puppy’s tail, preventing the blood
from flowing to the end of it.
▪ After a few days, the end of the tail dies and falls off, and the ligature is
removed.
▪ This technique is more painful and requires longer time for removal of the
tail which could result in necrosis and infection
▪ Sever swelling and extreme pain usually follows the ligation and extends for
some days
10/14/202
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

10. 10/14/202
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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

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Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

12. After Care Considerations
▪ A docked tail requires a clean, dry and urine-free environment to heal up faster.
▪ Remove the bandages after about 2-3 days
▪ Use only small and safe scissors to cut the bandages and put the tape away from
the dog’s tail tip.
▪ The area of incision requires monitoring for redness, swelling or discharge, which
indicates an infection.
▪ Avoid over-grooming the area and also keep a check on the adult dog licking the
area perhaps.
10/14/202
3
Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg

13. THANK YOU
Prof. Magda M. A. Omar
magdaali70@aun.edu.eg
10/14/2023 Prof. Magda M. Omar/ Assiut University/ Egypt, magdaali70@aun.edu.eg