Jade the German shepherd with the makeshift muzzle on.

Image Credit: BC SPCA

A German shepherd was surrendered to the BC SPCA because her tail bone was exposed due to ‘happy tail’ syndrome.

A dog owner in Vernon had contacted animal control with the North Okanagan regional district to surrender his dog Jade because he couldn’t afford the veterinarian bill for her 'happy tail' syndrome, according to a BC SPCA press release issued today, June 13.

The SPCA no longer has a shelter in Vernon so the dog's owner was referred to the society's local community services coordinator Nicholas Weeda.

“We worked with animal control and suggested the owner contact the BC SPCA’s helpline to begin the process to surrender the dog,” Weeda said in the release. “Once the paperwork was filed, I was able to pick up Jade and coordinate the surrender to the BC SPCA’s Kelowna animal centre. I immediately noticed she had a sock and duct tape around her snout and head as a makeshift muzzle and her tail was in horrible condition.”

READ MORE: BC SPCA shelter in Vernon closing its doors for good

The dog's tail bone was exposed and bleeding and Jade's owner had made a muzzle out of duct tape and a sock to prevent her from making her injury worse. ‘Happy tail’ syndrome happens when a dog wags their tail so hard it causes an injury.

BC SPCA Kelowna’s centre manager Shannon Paille said in Jade’s case the tail injury was severe.

“Her tail would not stop bleeding and the bone was exposed,” Paille said in the release.

Jade's 'happy tail' syndrome injury prior to amputation.

Image Credit: BC SPCA

Jade’s muzzle was removed and she was taken to a vet for treatment. The veterinarian determined Jade’s injury was so bad they would have to amputate her tail.

READ MORE: Vulnerable BC woman loses dog because supportive housing too dangerous

“A homemade muzzle should never be used for any reason,” BC SPCA’s Eileen Drever said in the release. “In this situation a dog collar cone is the only suitable option to prevent the dog from licking or biting their tail. Muzzles are solely meant to prevent scavenging for food or other objects from the ground or from biting.”

A proper muzzle allows a dog to drink water and pant to cool down, and Drever said they should only be used for short periods of time.

Jade is recovering from her tail amputation and spay surgery, and she will be ready for adoption in roughly one week. Jade has some allergies so she requires a special diet and medicated bathing while she recovers.

“Jade is super affectionate and loves to be pet and scratched on her forehead, she will push her face into you to make sure you do it,” Paille said. “She is very sweet and wants attention and affection from everyone she meets. She is super gentle and just wants to give and receive love.”

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