[shellwaldron]

:confused: I would like to know if I can do my own tail banding on my 1 week old litter of boxers without creating a infection

[doggie_poopie]

HOLY COW! Of course not!

Docking involves the amputation of the puppy's tail either with scissors or a knife. The cut goes through many highly sensitive nerves in the tissues including skin, cartilage, and bone. This procedure is usually performed without any anaesthetic at between three to five days of age.

There is considerable scientific evidence that docking can lead to complications, including occasionally death of the puppy. In later life the stump of the tail may be painful due to the formation of neuroma (nerve tissue scar) in the stump. This also occurs following amputation of limbs in people and causes considerable discomfort.

Next it is illegal in some states (NC for one) for reg people (not vets) to do this procedure.

Think about placing a band on you finger and see how long and painful it is... not to mention infection! The puppy has a fully developed nervous system and a well-developed sense of pain. While the puppy cannot tell us that it is in pain, many biological markers show that pain is occurring.

I can't tell you how many times an animal comes into a vet clinic or humane society with infections from breeders trying to do the jobs themselves. These pets suffer short-term and long-term.

Please leave veterinary medicine to the veterinary profession.

[danielnoahsmommy]

Tail banding simply put is abuse.

[carolbcac]

Most people don't realize that tail docking (by whatever method) involves cutting through the spinal cord! It's a risky thing to do for a cosmetic purpose. I think the best description I've heard is "elective mutilation"