A stud tail in dogs is a skin condition that dogs encounter in the sebaceous gland at the base of a dog’s tail. Stud tail, medically known as supra caudal gland infection or tail gland hyperplasia. It is like acne in humans that is caused as a result of overproduction of sebum. The condition is not dangerous. But it causes discomfort to the dog and leads to greasy skin, hair loss, and infection if you do not treat the condition at an early stage. It is not exclusive only to dogs; it can occur in male cats, especially in neutered cats.
Symptoms of the condition

Symptoms of stud tails in dogs are commonly visible at the edge of the dog’s tail. You might observe the following symptoms in dogs that have been infected with this condition.
- Oily or waxy discharge
- Hair loss
- Inflamed Skin
- Unpleasant odor
- Blackheads or pimples
In some cases, you may notice that your dog feels distressed and licks or chews their tail’s edge excessively. When you take your pet to the veterinarian, he will first examine the affected area and inquire about its history, grooming habits, and any other symptoms that you have noticed in your dog. He may take samples from the infected area and examine them under a microscope. Sometimes, he may also recommend a biopsy to rule out more serious conditions.
Causes of the condition
Dogs experience this condition due to apocrine glands located near the base of the tail. These glands produce an oily substance. When the production of oily substances exceeds the normal rate of production, the area would be infected by tail gland hyperplasia. Not only overactivity of the glands that produce excessive sebum but also there is an involvement of hormonal imbalance, particularly involvement of testosterone hormone. Also, poor hygiene, lack of grooming or skin conditions cause and ameliorate stud tail. These conditions block sebaceous glands and make the area more susceptible to infection.
How to diagnose stud tail
You may take your dog to the veterinarian as you have noticed the symptoms of stud tail. The vet examines its physical conditions and inquires about its history of medical background and symptoms to exclude other possible conditions. Treatments that he does on your pet vary based on the severity of the condition.
Treatment for Stud Tail

- Topical Treatments: The first step to managing stud tails in your doggy is to keep the infected area clean and out of germs. You can do that by gently washing your dog’s edge of the tail with a mild, dog-oriented shampoo recommended by your vet. Such a gentle clean-up will allow you to remove excess oil and debris that may influence the condition. It is important to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and leftovers that can irritate your dog’s skin further.
- Antibiotics: For more severe cases your vet may recommend antibiotics to fight against secondary infections or corticosteroids – such as prednisone – to reduce inflammation and provide relief to your dog.
- Hormonal Therapy: Sometimes by doing hormonal therapy, your dog could overcome the condition. Nevertheless, in adverse cases, a veterinarian may recommend your dog to undergo surgery to remove the affected glands.
 Prevent stud tail in your dog

- Regular Grooming: Grooming your dog every day helps you to keep your dog out of stud tails. When grooming you have to pay special attention to the tail area. You have to brush its tail gently. But you should be thorough with the fact that it is well cleaned and ensure no debris of dust, or any other leftovers retain in the tail. If your dog has a voluminous tail, trimming its hair around will help reduce oil growth around the base of the tail.
- Consulting a veterinarian: If you suspect your dog has stud tail or notice any unusual symptoms around the tail area, consult a veterinarian promptly and seek advice.
- Diet and supplements: Feed your dog with a balanced diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It will help to improve their skin. Supplements in which fish oil is included can be beneficial for your doggy. However, it is recommended to consult your vet before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.
Stud tail is a manageable condition in dogs that requires timely veterinary attention. You have to understand its symptoms, causes, and treatment as its owner. Having understood, you should take the necessary measures to relieve your dog’s pain. Early intervention and proper care can significantly improve the dog’s quality of life and prevent recurrence
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