The new blended vertex weights are perfect for a task like this. As pointed out, create a cylinder and use masked transparency to make the spiral. Now give it a simple skeleton using blended weights when binding the vertices to the bones. With vertex weights set correctly this is trivial to animate.
As for specific apps, CharacterFX is a cheap animation tool which supports blended vertex weights. Other than that your options are big name tools like 3D Studio Max, Maya, or Lightwave.
As for specific apps, CharacterFX is a cheap animation tool which supports blended vertex weights. Other than that your options are big name tools like 3D Studio Max, Maya, or Lightwave.