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Vet warns of 'screw tail' dangers
"Unfortunately, 'screw tail' is an issue that is common in these breeds." - Bart Hendrickx.
'We are seeing an increase in these congenital tail malformations.' 

A vet at West Midlands Referrals (WMR) has warned pet owners about the dangers of chronic pain and infection caused by screw tail – a condition which affects English and French bulldogs and pugs.

Screw tail, also known as 'ingrown tail' and 'corkscrew tail', is a genetic abnormality, where fused tail vertebrae form a spiral curvature, which can cause excessive skin folds, tail immobility, and anal obstruction. 

Bart Hendrickx, senior veterinary surgeon at West Midlands Veterinary Referrals in Staffordshire, spoke out about the problem after performing a tail amputation on a French bulldog. 

Bart said: “Screw tail is a developmental issue where the dog’s tail is formed into a corkscrew that twists the overlying skin into pockets and recesses. 

“This moist, warm area is then a perfect environment for growth of microbes, which then lead to chronic infection causing significant discomfort. 

“The only way to deal with this is to remove the warm damp recesses and that means the amputation of the cork-screw tail and with it the infected skin folds. 

“There is no other way to solve the problem but, fortunately, there are no adverse consequences of removing the tail, which in these breeds is stumpy and essentially immobile anyway. 

“Unfortunately, though, ‘screw tail’ is an issue that is common in these breeds and we are seeing an increase in these congenital tail malformations and deformities.” 

Bart spoke up about the condition after operating on Pippi, the French bulldog – who had a screw tail malformation with secondary pyoderma, and was referred to WMR for surgery. 

Pippi's operation lasted for 30 minutes, and she has since made a full recovery. 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.