9 month old release with limp tail

[JenBeth28]

We released Carl 6 weeks go. 2 nights ago he came to us with a puncture wound to his back right thigh. He's healing well, but his tail is limp. We can not find any issues with it. It's not bushy & won't stand up. Any idaes?

[sundoesshine]

We released Carl 6 weeks go. 2 nights ago he came to us with a puncture wound to his back right thigh. He's healing well, but his tail is limp. We can not find any issues with it. It's not bushy & won't stand up. Any ideas?

Is this the first time you've seen him since release, are the issues connected and or was his tail always less bushy. I only ask because our release's tail started out a bit less bushy than most but seemed to thin out as time went on, especially at the end, it's like an arrow now and that part of his tail seems to kind of hang limp compared to the wild's tails.

[JenBeth28]

Is this the first time you've seen him since release, are the issues connected and or was his tail always less bushy. I only ask because our release's tail started out a bit less bushy than most but seemed to thin out as time went on, especially at the end, it's like an arrow now and that part of his tail seems to kind of hang limp compared to the wild's tails.

Thank you for your reply 😊 We visit with him daily since release. We had to overwinter him, so we're bonded. His tail has always been beautiful. It seems directly related to the injury. The wound isn't near his tail though. We're at a loss to why it's limp & not bushy.

[Chirps]

Hi. Maybe there's another injury? Something less visible or even invisible? Maybe whatever caused the puncture also did something that damaged nerves or muscles needed to hold the tail up and move it?

Does he let you touch him? Is a closer inspection of his tail and back end possible?

[sundoesshine]

Hi. Maybe there's another injury? Something less visible or even invisible? Maybe whatever caused the puncture also did something that damaged nerves or muscles needed to hold the tail up and move it?

Does he let you touch him? Is a closer inspection of his tail and back end possible?

Maybe he fell during the altercation and damaged nerves, if you can touch him, does it seem to cause pain?

[Rock Monkey]

The limp tail may represent nerve damage (or swelling which is impinging the nerve) from a fall or altercation.

It might be worth trying to administer some prednisone which can help with such nerve damage.