Saint Bernard - issue, maybe an illness?

**Cermet** · 10-18-2012, 10:03 PM

I have an issue that just developed a few days ago. Our St. Bernard is violently chasing her tail until exhaustion and does this over and over. If she catches the tail, she holds it for a few seconds, lets go and does this again. She also acts as if her tail area itches. She will, from time to time, pull some hair from this area. She is treated for fea’s and we see none nor signs of them. Our neighbor’s dog is doing this also - a small male collie. We go to the Vet Tuesday but if anyone has experience with this aliment, I'd love to hear about it.

**Cliff** · 10-18-2012, 11:05 PM

Any changes in deit latley ?

Our black lab cross has food allergies and will do crazy stuff like that when he gets into something he should not have. Maybe you dog has something similar ? Just a wild guess on my part tho

Our saint bernard is far to lazy to chase anything, or even turn around fast for that matter

**Cermet** · 10-19-2012, 12:14 AM

Hello,
no to diet change. She is in heat but the male nearby obviously doesn't have that issue ... . The strange part is she will not touch her tail if you hold it so she could reach it. The tail chasing occurs in fits over and over until she sleeps at night. Makes no sense. She is, of course, drinking far more water.

**Cliff** · 10-19-2012, 12:25 AM

I'm sure it will be nothing to worry about. Give her a little extra love and attention for me.

You should post some pics of your saint bernard some time. They are great dogs for sure.

**Cermet** · 10-19-2012, 12:35 AM

Yes, I am currently giving her a lot of love - so is the family (she IS eating that up.) Thanks and I'll post some pics. I have one of her looking out the window for the family in my profile.

Thanks again

**Honey Badger 1** · 10-19-2012, 12:50 AM

Since both your dog and the neighbors dog are suddenly showing the same symptoms it seems it might be parasitic. I would call the vet and ask if there has been some sort of outbreak in the area. Maybe some sort of worm.

**Aeonflame** · 10-19-2012, 01:24 AM

have you checked for hot spots? Sometimes with shaggy dogs they can be hard to see.

**Cermet** · 10-19-2012, 04:10 PM

As for hot spots, have looked and haven't developed any ... yet. Could be an issue soon. Thanks for the idea.

**Cermet** · 10-19-2012, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by mommy1

Since both your dog and the neighbors dog are suddenly showing the same symptoms it seems it might be parasitic. I would call the vet and ask if there has been some sort of outbreak in the area. Maybe some sort of worm.

Yes and that concerns me and some of her actions would indicate a possible parasite. The vet will see her Tuesday and may call if issues get worse.

Her chasing her tail is an issue when a dog that massive hits you in the legs while spinning ... .