One of my dogs has a very slight loss off fur (about the size of a 1 pence) about an inch or so from the base of its tale, the vet said its "gland tail" and that there is no cure, he said it occurs in some dogs for no apparent reason.

Has anyone heard of this?. Regards Mick

Hi Mick, I've never heard of 'gland tail' but I had a dog with something similar to what you descibe though the spot was almost bald & a bit scaly and it was lower. According to my vet it was due to tail gland hyperplasia (apparently dogs have a non-functional scent gland on the tail called the precaudle gland). My dog was elderly when it appeared and the vet said the same as yours but he also said that in a young dog it often dissappears with maturity.

Hello Sharon

Ive checked with the wife as she listens harder than I do and thats what the vet said it was (hyperplasia). Its the pup (15 weeks) that has it so hopefully it will clear.

Regards Mick

Is the dog male Mick? I think it is to with the gland in the tail, some un-neutered cats get it too, they call it "stud tail" Don't think there is a cure, but have never heard of it doing any damage either.
Dawn.

I have also heard of it and agree with the common name of "Stud Tail". Thought someone was having me on when I was first asked about it.

Christine

Some of mine from a particular blood line have a scantier coat on this part of the tail and sometimes the hairs are a little discoloured. I had always thought it was "the breeding", but it certainly sounds like this gland tail thingy. if you see a Westie dog with this, you can be fairly sure that kennel features in the pedigree.

There was a thread about this last year. Can't remeber what words were used, but might be worth a search.

and guess who asked <grin> . I had also asked on other lists and was told it was a "male dog" thing

Christine

Hi Mick,
Most of my Bull Terriers get stud dog tail and also a small round bald spot on the top of the skull, which is perfectly normal in our breed.
They do come and go but Vets will happily spend your money in finding a "cure".
bye
Sharon
Bullywood Bull Terriers

Hi Mick,
My Whippet dog has this as well, about 3 inches from the base of his tail. The skin is black and completely bald, about an inch long and half an inch across.
I've seen a lot of male Whippets with this, don't know if bitches get it as well, but Alfie's developed when he was about a year old.
Liz

My male had this a couple of month ago (just cleared of its own accord) thats when the vet told us what it was, did'nt say it was a female thing though. Now my female pup (15 weeks) has it. I havent spoken to the vet as it does'nt seem to be causing any bother, and I assumed it was the same thing the male had.

Mick

Are you looking for this: http://www.geocities.com/curlycr.geo/tail.html  it showes pics and Junior my boston I think has that except his fur has never grown back lol

Tail gland hyperplasia or precaudle gland

EDIT:
ooops think I just brought up an old thread- lol

Just landed here cause I was looking up some info for a friend due to this and was logged into the site and it brought this page up :-)