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Screwtail Caudectomy For Dogs

 

Permanent Relief for Bulldogs

Eliminating Chronic Infections & Discomfort with Advanced CO2 Laser Surgery

Bulldogs are known for their adorable wrinkles and compact build, but their unique anatomy can cause painful complications.

Many brachycephalic breeds, particularly English and French Bulldogs, suffer from Screw Tail, a condition where their tightly curled tail folds into the body. This creates painful infections, irritation, and discomfort.

Bulldog with screw tail showing signs of discomfort and tail fold infection, highlighting need for caudectomy surgery using CO2 laser.
 

What is Screw Tail & Why is It a Problem?

Bulldogs are not born with long tails but rather with a short, malformed tail that tightly curls into their body. While this unique tail may look cute, it traps moisture and debris, which leads to severe skin fold infections, inflammation, and chronic dermatitis.

Common signs of Screw Tail Pyoderma include:

✅ Red, irritated skin between tail folds
Foul odour from chronic infections
Excessive itching and scratching
Frequent scooting on the floor
Persistent pain and discomfort

Because their tails are deeply embedded into their body, Bulldogs cannot reach or scratch the area, leading to constant frustration and discomfort.

Left untreated, this condition can become unbearable, leading to severe infections and even nerve damage.

Close-up of red, irritated skin between bulldog tail folds caused by screw tail pyoderma needing surgical intervention.
 

Why Screw Tail Caudectomy is the Best Solution?

 

While regular cleaning and topical treatments can help manage mild cases, severe screw tail infections require surgical intervention.

Screw Tail Caudectomy is a specialised surgical procedure that removes the tightly curled tail and surrounding infected skin folds, offering long-term relief from pain and infection.

At VetLand Hospital & Emergency, we exclusively use CO2 laser technology for caudectomy, offering a safer, more precise, and less painful alternative to traditional scalpel surgery.

Screwtail Caudectomy surgery helps bulldogs with screw tail get long-term relief from chronic infections and skin fold irritation.
 

Why We Use CO2 Laser Surgery for Caudectomy?

 

The tight adhesion of the tail to the body makes removal challenging. The surgery is invasive and requires extreme precision, as the tail is located close to the spinal cord and rectum.

Without proper expertise, there is a risk of permanent nerve damage. Traditional surgery with scalpels can be invasive, painful and risks excessive bleeding.

Less Pain – The CO2 laser seals nerve endings, significantly reducing post-op discomfort.
Minimal Bleeding – The laser cauterizes blood vessels instantly, reducing surgical trauma.
Faster Healing – Less swelling and inflammation mean a smoother, quicker recovery.
Precision & Safety – The laser allows for precise incisions while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of complications.

Studies have shown excellent long-term outcomes for dogs undergoing caudectomy, with high parent satisfaction and improved quality of life.

Screw tail caudectomy using CO2 laser reduces bleeding, pain, and speeds recovery in brachycephalic dogs like English Bulldogs.

How the Procedure Works?

A vet will examine your dog’s tail to assess if caudectomy is needed, ensuring the best outcome and personalised care.

Step 1: Pre-Surgical Consultation


We conduct a thorough exam to determine if caudectomy is the best option for your dog.

 The vet will remove the affected tail with a CO2 laser for precise surgery, less trauma, and a quicker, cleaner recovery.

Step 2: CO2 Laser Caudectomy Surgery


We remove the affected tail using precision laser surgery to reduce trauma and support a faster recovery.

Your vet will provide full aftercare support to help your dog recover smoothly with minimal pain, swelling, or infection risks.

Step 3: Post-Op Care & Recovery


We guide you through aftercare while your dog heals with less pain, swelling, and risk of infection.

Vet performing CO2 laser caudectomy to relieve chronic screw tail infections and prevent long-term nerve damage in dogs.

From Pain to Play

Dex’s Success Story

 

“Dex was in constant discomfort before his screw tail surgery. It broke my heart seeing him scoot and scratch all day. The team at VetLand Hospital & Emergency were incredible from start to finish—compassionate, professional, and so skilled. Now Dex is pain-free, zooming around the yard and soaking up the sun like he used to. I’m so grateful we found you.”
Stacey Robinson, proud pet mum of Dex

Bulldog receiving red light gentle laser therapy after CO2 caudectomy at VetLand for chronic screw tail infections and pain relief.

Dex receiving the gold standard in recovery care—gentle laser therapy to speed healing and ease post-surgical inflammation.

Happy bulldog post-surgery showing improved comfort and mobility after CO2 laser screw tail caudectomy.

Just days after surgery, Dex is back to doing what he loves—running freely and soaking up the sunshine.

 

FAQs About Screw Tail Caudectomy

GIVE YOUR BULLDOGS THE RELIEF THEY DESERVE

Screw tail infections won’t go away on their own.

Permanent relief starts with expert care!

 
 ✅ Persistent skin infections or severe tail dermatitis
✅ Constant discomfort, scooting, and signs of pain
✅ Chronic foul odour and discharge from tail folds
✅ No lasting relief from cleaning or topical treatments


If your dog is struggling with persistent discomfort, schedule a consultation
today
to discuss if screw tail caudectomy is the right solution. 

Before and after results of a bulldog showing relief from screw tail issues after undergoing CO2 laser caudectomy surgery

Why Pet Parents Choose VetLand for Surgery

 VetLand vet conducting a full exam on a bulldog to assess if screwtail caudectomy is the right surgical solution.

Consultation & Assessment

First, we do a thorough pre-examination of your pup to determine the best surgery for optimal results.

Bulldog recovering post-surgery under 24/7 vet and nurse care at VetLand’s modern, fully equipped animal hospital.

On Site 24 hr Vet Hospital

Your pup will have round the clock post operative care from vets and nurses at our modern VetLand Hospital.

VetLand staff comforting a bulldog receiving gentle pre-surgical anxiety relief to ensure calmer recovery from surgery.

Pre-Surgical Anxiety Relief

Your pup will be given pre-surgical anxiety relief to minimise their stress coming into hospital. If they are more settled, they will require less anaesthesia, so recover more quickly.

Vet administering tailored anaesthesia for bulldogs at VetLand, with monitoring and pain-free wake-up after surgery.

Anaesthesia Best Practice

We provide customised anesthesia specifically for your brachycephalic dog, and ensure thorough anesthesia monitoring and dedicated intensive care unit support recovery after surgery. We also use local anesthesia with general anesthesia, ensuring your pup wakes up pain-free.

Vet using Aesculight CO2 laser for screwtail caudectomy, reducing bleeding, swelling, and pain for faster recovery.

Laser Surgery

We use the Aesculight CO2 laser, which provides superior benefits compared to traditional scalpel surgery. It minimises bleeding, reduces swelling and discomfort, lowers the risk of infection, and ensures precise and shorter surgical procedures for quicker recovery.

 Dog undergoing a 3D CT scan at VetLand for detailed imaging before screw tail or related surgical procedures.

Onsite CT Scanner

While X-rays create two-dimensional images of the internal structures, CT scans offer a three-dimensional view.

Bulldog resting in VetLand’s oxygen therapy chamber to support smooth, stress-free breathing during post-op recovery.

Oxygen Therapy Chamber

Our onsite intensive care recovery bay can provide oxygen to your pup at levels to help ensure a smooth, breathe-easy recovery.

VetLand customises screwtail caudectomy plans to match each dog’s needs, ensuring safety, comfort, and long-term relief.

Precision Planned

Screwtail caudectomy isn’t one-size-fits-all. At VetLand, we assess the shape, depth, and severity of your dog’s tail folds before surgery. Some Bulldogs need full removal, others don’t. We customise every surgical plan with your pet’s comfort, safety, and long-term relief in mind.

See What Pet Parents Say About Vetland Hospital & Emergency

11 out of 10 for these fantastic crew. Very professional people with very gentle hearts and were extremely thorough. They took excellent care of my darling doggo (and me for that matter) I would definitely suggest these people to take care of your precious family members. The costs were as any standard vet would be so a thumbs up from me.
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Jack Venom
Pet Parent
We had every pet-parent’s worst fear happen and had to rush our beloved 13 year old diabetic cat to the emergency vet as she was having a hypoglycaemic episode and was declining. We were seen swiftly and all the tests done and she was admitted for a 12 hour stay. The staff all made us feel reassured and their calm demeanours helped to ease my anxiety a little bit. I felt safe leaving my darling little Chérie in their care overnight and I truly felt like they were invested in her recovery..
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Stephanie Keys
Pet Parent
Great place! These guys were awesome and the facilities were amazing. Squeezed us in for an emg consult after our dog scalped his head being a nutcase. We even got a tour of the facilities after they helped our boy Tiny Dog. Recommended! 🤜🤛
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Danny Foster
Pet Parent
I wanted to share my positive experience with the new veterinary clinic that recently attended to my dog in an emergency. The staff demonstrated exceptional professionalism, empathy, and quick action, ensuring my pet received prompt and effective care.The facility was clean, well-equipped, and the vet's expertise was evident. I'm grateful for their dedication to my Mackie and I highly recommend this veterinary place.
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Carlene D'Rosario
Pet Parent
We had to go to Vetland very early Good Friday to have our sick cat Tabitha looked at. Upon examination it was obvious that she was very ill and sadly could not be saved. During the whole time we were there we were kept fully updated and the compassion shown by all the staff was very much appreciated,and also the later follow-up.Our sincere thanks to all at Vetland.
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Anne and Ern
Pet Parents
This clinic is refreshing… I’ve had to visit twice in an emergency once for my partners dog and again for my own… they are so considerate and warm and my favourite thing the did for us (apart from the wonderful work on our dogs) is the fact that they let us be apart of the consultation… I got to spend every minute with my girl right up until they put her under and I think that’s just wonderful.. for her and for me since we are so close… ❤️ A+ for sure not to mention the stitches she needed are very well done!
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Lauren Gledhill
Pet Parent
Well worth the 48 km drive with no appointment madeWe arrived and saw a triage nurse straight away who was very professional and also very caring what calmed the dog down quite a bit and the other OWNERS after a short time with him with the vet who was just great seeing to myl ittle girl is complaints and full check-up very impressed I have used this service a few times but not at the new hospital you can ask the better service and very a reasonable price,
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Chris Shields
Pet Parent
I would recommend Vetland to anyone in need of a vet overnightWe took our cat there last night. We were listened and our Belle was well looked after at 12.30am.The facilites are truly amazing . Thankyou
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Karen Daking
Pet Parent