View Full Version : Extra Dewclaw
vandynole
06-15-2006, 04:25 PM
My puppy (a doxie-bassett-something else mix) has an extra dewclaw on each of his rear legs. So he not only has a dewclaw, which I understand is not that common on rear legs to begin with, but also another one growing off of that one (i.e., a total of 6 claws on each rear leg). The vet explained it's like a thumb growing out of another thumb. He wasn't sure he had seen anything like it.
One of the extra dewclaws is not attached (it just kind of jiggles when the dog runs), but the other one is connected to bone. So, the vet suggested leaving them on.
I worry that they could get caught, though. Any advice?
Babyblue5290
06-15-2006, 04:41 PM
Maybe get a second opinion?
I'm not sure on advice for you, but I have seen a few dogs with the double dew claws before. One dogs second dew claw was soo thin that it looked like a twig got stuck in it's paw lol So it's not common but it's definetly not unheard of either :)
LabBreeder
06-15-2006, 05:17 PM
http://perso.orange.fr/corine.lundqvist/polydogs.html
This website explains about the double dewclaw and that some breeds are required to have for showing purposes (also enables for better footing the closer to the ground they are). Read it, it's definitely interesting.
There are a few breeds where it's standard to have double dewclaws, the Beauceron and Great Pyrenees for examples. Or it could be just random, sort of like polydactyl kitties.
LabBreeder
06-16-2006, 01:28 AM
lol @ zoom - did you read my post? or did you just reply?
we've got the same answer. :)
cowgurl6254
06-17-2006, 12:32 PM
My puppy has the exact same problem. His are both dangling and honestly they are constantly getting hung on things when he runs outside. The vet is going to remove them while he is getting neutered. :)
gaddylovesdogs
06-17-2006, 05:00 PM
They could get caught on something...I think I'd get them removed, just for safety purposes.
SummerRiot
06-17-2006, 06:10 PM
Sometimes inbreeding can play a role in this.
I think it would be safe to say that parents were full brother and sister, if not half. :)
moxiegrl
06-17-2006, 11:02 PM
Katie had an extra one that we got removed when she was fixed.
good_dog
06-20-2006, 07:18 PM
I used to breed and show Great Pyrenees. Not only is it common for them, it is a disqualification if they don't have double dew claws on their hind legs.
In all the years I had pyrs, living on a farm, running in the pastures and woods, I never had one with a problem with dewclaws. On the other hand, I have a lab who was always catching a front dewclaw on things, so we had it removed.
I wouldn't worry about it unless he seems to have a problem.
Beth