Dew Claw injury

My poor little guy, Monty caught his dew claw on something yesterday and ripped the nail near off. He could walk on hard surfaces but any grass or soft surface he would be in pain because his dew claw is so close to the ground. We went to the vet today and they had to rip off the nail and bandage it. The vet suggested removing the dew claw if he keeps injuring it (this is his 3rd one but this is the worst). We will also have to see how the nail grows back in. I am hesitant to put him under anesthesia so we will see. For now he is a hobbling mess (hasn't figured out how to poop on three legs yet) and getting lots of extra kisses.

Has anyone else had any issues with dew claws? Any suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by Joanna Kimball on April 9, 2010 at 8:54pm

Is this a rear dew? Those should come off when he's neutered.

If it's a front dew, you need to grind it very, very short and blunt so it does its job (stabilizes the joint when he's running) without getting caught on stuff. Never let it get long or hooked.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on April 9, 2010 at 9:34pm

poor Monty :( when mocha was young, his friend corky the yorkie often have sleep over at our place, one time his rear dew caught our papasan chair, poor thing couldn't walk right for the whole day, it was removed because it was hanging. Get well soon Monty!

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Permalink Reply by Beth on April 9, 2010 at 9:45pm

Poor Monty! I checked your profile and Monty is two, correct? If so, I'm assuming he already was neutered; they sometimes remove them while they are already under for spay or neuter if they are causing a problem. I know lots of breeders remove them because sometimes they are a problem, and other breeders leave on because many times they are not a problem.

I'm sorry, I don't have any suggestions. You might have a talk with your vet about risk/benefit for the surgery. I understand your concern about putting him under anesthesia. Hope he recovers quickly!