My Lab Jersey Girl has had "cold tail" twice in a season, three seasons ago. It was very late in the season and the big ducks were here. Most everything was frozen up but three of us were able to get to and hunt an opening around a tide break that the ducks had to be in. We shot our limits of Mallards and Blackducks so she had 15 tough retrieves thru icey water that morning. The next day we planned on going back for more, but when I awoke it was clear that she was effected and couldn't hunt. I called my Vet later that day and was told to let her rest on the couch for a few days and she'll be fine. About a week later we had a similiar hunt in the same area on the last day of the season. That night after the hunt she was effected again. In hindsight, I should have not hunted her in those conditions that soon. I always have her in a neoprene vest while we are gunning unless it is a very warm early season. When it gets cold, I keep a heavy wool blanket for her to lay on and need to get a small portable heater for the boat. It was explained to me that it can also come about from over-exursion or a combination of overworked muscles and hypothermia. Best thing is rest. She will be wagging in a day or two at the most. I've heard of other dogs that had it & couldn't swing their tail out of the way as they sat down. Thus, breaking their tail. Like others said above; It makes for a sad pooch when they can't wag their tail.
