I've just noticed a bald patch on Toesys tail (Staff)
It might of been there for a while, without me actually realising. For a while I just thought he had a lighter patch on his tail, and I didn't take much notice. But it seemed even more prominent tonight, when I've looked properly there is a bald patch, properly bald, not just thinned out.
What could of caused this, and is there anything I can do about it.

Michelle.

Is it on the top of his tail, about a third of the way down the length? If so, that is where they have a scent gland, and it is that you see. The hair might be a bit coarser and oilier there too - it is with my boys.
:)

Hi Jeangenie
It is half way down his tail, on the top (not underneath) If anything I would say it seems coarse and dry.
Could that still be a scent gland, and do most dogs have one. What is the actual reason for it,
Michelle.

I have no idea why they have a scent gland there, but I've noticed the same thing in just the same place on many other dogs. Because my dogs' tails are white, the hair always looks grimy there, no matter how much you wash it.

Sorry I can't help more.
:)

All my three labs have a bald patch where the scent gland is. They lost the hair when they were approx 3 and it has never grown back. The vet said it is quite common for this to happen in this area. I think you can buy something to stimulate the hair growth but nothing worked for us.

Mitch
Gus had it too - seemed really noticeable at the time . We took him to the vets who as JG rightly says it is due to a gland located in that area. Clears up on some dogs and doesnt on others .
I was recommended to try Liverine Unction (from the pet shop - about £3 ish) on the area. Gus's did clear up luckily

Mitch,
I also recall the vet saying it can be hereditery (our labs are mother and 2 daughters) and for cosmetic reasons they can operate on the gland so the hair doesn't fall out. We didn't bother with this as we don't show them.

My Dally had it at about 6 months old, it did eventually go back to normal in a couple of months.

Sandra

Will it be held against him in the showring.

Michelle.

No

Karen

If you do a search on "Stud Tail" (I think) you should bring up some former discussions on this :)