Soft Tissue Surgery: Screw Tails

We can now offer an increased soft tissue service, including Screw Tail Removal Surgery. This helps to reduce some of the clinical signs associated with this disease process, and to consequently improve the welfare of affected pets.

‘Screw Tail’ is the common term to describe a congenital vertebral malformation where the tail bones fuse and take on an abnormal shape and curvature. This leads to excessive skin folds, skin pockets, anal obstruction and tail immobility. It is often seen in bulldog breeds.

We can often see tail fold pyoderma in these areas as they become warm and moist; an ideal environment for microbes to grow in. This causes significant discomfort in the pet.

Surgical intervention is often required to amputate the tail and remove the infected skin to improve the dog’s welfare.

Dr Kelly Hertitage BSc BVSc MSC PgCert(SAS) MRCVS

Kelly Heritage holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery from the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies. This is the culmination of two years of additional studies, practical assessments, written coursework and examinations.

Kelly has the confidence to offer clients the option of more advanced surgery performed locally, rather than requiring travel to referral centres some distance away. While referral centres can offer the highest levels of specialism and expertise, Kelly feels it is important to offer clients the option of a more local service.