Recent Feedback
My dog just turned four in February. She tries to climb trees chasing squirrels and whatnot, she has ripped her dew claw nails three times in the last two years. I'm thinking about getting the front ones removed. (She doesn't have rear dew claws). The vet/surgeon said given how many times it happens that she would do it. Why don't vets like to remove them? Because of how painful of a surgery? I really only see her use them when she holds a bone or something. What do you recommend or are there other options for this type of an issue?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: chocolate lab pitt bull mix Gender: Female Age: 4 Name of Animal: Marley Already Tried: She has had dew claw nails clipped all the way down to wick. He continues to rip the nail
Hello. Thank you for asking your question. My name is XX. XXXXX. X will try to help.
If the dew claws are loose, where it feels like they are just attached by skin, then they are very easy to remove.
If her dew claws are tight, then the surgery involves going into a joint. It is basically similar to declawing a cat except it is only done on one toe. The last knuckle is removed.
It is not that we do not like to do it. It is just that it is in a joint and anytime you go into a joint, then there is always a risk of infection.
It is easiest to remove dew claws when they are 2-3 days old. It is also easier to remove them while the dog is still a puppy. It becomes more difficult as the dog gets older.
It is removing the last knuckle, so there will be some pain.
But she could be given some good pain medication (request it if not offered).
She can also be put on antibiotics to prevent infection.
She will go home with bandages on for 5-10 days.
She will need to wear a plastic elizabethan collar to prevent her from removing the bandages, her sutures, and to stop her licking and opening the incision.
She will probably have to wear the elizabethan collar for 2 weeks.
I do not have a problem removing the dew claws.
If they keep getting caught, and tearing, then I would have them removed.
I hope this helps.
If you have additional questions, please click "reply."
Okay, the vet said that they are tight, so they would be removing the whole "toe". Both are getting done at the same time. Do you know an estimated cost for this type of procedure? but she rips her nails a few times a year. All in all about how long for a full recovery?
Yes, the whole toe.
The cost is going to depend on where you have it done and if you are having it done with an additional procedure so she would be having anesthesia already.
I think it will be $200-$300, just for the dewclaw, antibiotics, and pain medication. But you better ask the vet to give you an estimate.
I would think three weeks until a full recovery. As long as she does not self remove her stitches or anything like that.
Okay. Thanks so much!
You are welcome
Attachments are only available to registered users.