Tail kinked to the side

Question
QUESTION: I came home during my lunch break to let 7.5-month-old male, Terk, into the yard so he could get sunshine and go to the bathroom, and his tail is stuck to the side. I felt for breaks or kinks, and there was nothing abnormal. He didn't flinch or seem to be in pain. Normally he wags his tail all the time, so this is really concerning me. He went pee, but he didn't seem to need to go poo. What could be the reason for his tail being stuck to the side? It looks like a failed half-attempt to curl it upward, but he usually curls it into a loose loop.

:(

ANSWER: Because your piggy did not flinch or show signs of pain, I'm pretty sure the problem is temporary. He may have slept on it and it felt a little numb or stiff.

The tail is an extension of the spinal column, so if piggy's tail does not return to normal after a day or so, piggy may need to see a vet for x-rays. If you spot problems, like lumps or bumps, hot spots, wounds or signs of pain, piggy should see a vet.

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QUESTION: It's been a day now and now change... I've called local vets, and am awaiting return calls. The vets who have gotten back to me have discouraged me from getting X-rays done because anesthesia is dangerous for piggies. What do you think? I'm waiting to hear back from two more vets...

Thank you so much for your help!

Answer
The vets are right, any time a pig is put under there is a risk. The risk is higher if the pig is older or overweight. Another factor is that many x-ray machines designed for dogs and cats are not quite strong enough to penetrate the dense bodies of pigs, and the results are hard to read.

I am not a veterinarian, and can not make a diagnosis over the internet. As long as piggy does not seem to be in pain I think it's not an emergency. I am assuming that piggy has been pooping Ok, and is not holding his tail this way from constipation.