My rat is three years old and in the last 10 months or so, he has started trying to bite at his tail.  It normally happens when he gets real excited and when it happens, he starts barking and biting at his tail, going in circles.  This usually lasts sometimes as long as 10 minutes at a time.

When I mentioned it to Stubby's doctor, he mentioned 'phantom tail' syndrome which sometimes occurs in dogs who have had their tails docked very early after birth.  It normally does not manifest itself until they are 2 or 3 years old.  The doctor recommended giving him a 25 mg Benadryl when it happens and this does calm him down.

Has anyone else experienced this type behavior in their rat terrier?