We have a dog at the kennel I work at that keeps doing that to his tail too. They have padded walls that can be added to the kennels. All it is is pvc piping with vinyl that stretches across. Just another idea besides docking the tail.

Hi Guys
Thanks for all the replies.
First of all, no, this wound is not able to be sutured. It is an open sore, about the size of your thumb nail, not two ends that can be stitched back together. My vet did say that 'if' we cant get it to heal properly we may have to consider taking the end off so we 'do' have two ends to stitch, but for me this would have to be as a lost resort!
Thanks for pointing me in the direction of 'How to heal a dogs tail', hadn't noticed that on the site before! I have been using a similar method, but with a rigid cardboard tube. I was having some success, but this was where we had the inflamation/reaction to the sticky elastoplast.
I'm now trying Ed's suggestion using the pipe insulation along with a different type of sticky bandage. So far so good, but only after a couple of days, will see how it goes!
If this fails I will try the suggestion of making a 'sock' for his tail!
Also trying to get hold of the Cothivet wound dressing to use, rather than the wound powder. Anything which will help it heal quicker will be be a big bonus!
Thanks again anyway guys, and I'll keep you posted!
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Hi Guys
Just an update to let you know that after using Ed's idea for protecting the end of my dogs tail, it's working wonders! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
The whole area is healing up well, just have to wait for the hair to grow back now before I can take it off again.
Thanks for all your help and comments!