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Polydactyl paw- big deal???

smfidler

Well-Known Member
I have never heard of this before, but the breeder said that they are not uncommon and that they aren't a big deal. Said the vet said she didn't forsee it being a problem. Right now I have the choice between two males, should this affect my choice? We do not plan to breed or show. He is stictly for campanionship.
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
What breed is he? And no, its not a health problem. If its loose, like the rear dew claws often are then it could be removed easily if need be.
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
Was just coming back to say I found your intro thread so EM lol. I wasn't aware that polydactylism ran in EM's but I've never looked hard at the breed either. Is it only one paw? Front or rear? Like I said its not a medical problem, so you're clear there. Some Livestock Guardian breeds, and a couple other breeds, often have extra dewclaws on the rear paws. And I've had several cats who had "thumbs" and the only concern with them was that for some reason the extra digit was always harder to trim the claws on.
 

smfidler

Well-Known Member
It's on his front right paw, she is sending me some pics, she wants me to see before we choose for sure. Which I think is really great. We have been patiently waiting and honestly it doesn't bother me, if it's not going to harm him or cause problems later.
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
Good! I'm curious, if she doesn't mind can you post the pics here?

I'll do some digging, but I'm not aware of any issues associated with it.
 

smfidler

Well-Known Member
I will, I had never heard of it or seen one before. I will probably be researching and calling the vet on base also when they open back up tuesday.
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
I'm not finding anything health wise for dogs, in humans it MAY, and only may, be related to a small list of genetic disorders, though not always, in cats its not considered anything to worry about and is normal for some breeds. definetly ask the vet too though.
 

Duetsche_Doggen

Well-Known Member
I agree with Ruth its pretty common in some cats, but I never heard of it with dogs.....Would love to see pictures too..
 

raechiemay

Well-Known Member
That's really strange looking. Something I've never seen on a dog. IMO, if he's got the personality that best suits your family & it's NOT something that will affect him later on in life then I'd say go with him.
 

smfidler

Well-Known Member
That's really strange looking. Something I've never seen on a dog. IMO, if he's got the personality that best suits your family & it's NOT something that will affect him later on in life then I'd say go with him.

That was my thoughts but I worried about it. I think we are going to stick with him. Every puppy needs a home, right:)
 

raechiemay

Well-Known Member
Exactly! :) I'd definitely check with the vet when you take him in for his first visit & see what his thoughts are on it.
 

smfidler

Well-Known Member
She had said that the vet said she didn't forsee it being an issue but it was a fairly easy procedure to remove it. I honestly love him even with it. He's beautiful to me, and sounds on track. He was first born and is 9lbs 1oz at less than a month. My shih tzu is over 2 and is barely 12.
 

Marrowshard

Well-Known Member
You know, that doesn't even look like a true toe ... the way it's wedged in between the two normal toes it just looks like an extra claw rather than a full "toe". Have they done x-rays? I wouldn't think it would be an issue although if there's little to no bone support it might be prone to breakage or stubbing.
I understand you're just going for a pet, but even if you did want to show I can't find anything in the standard that says you can't have a polydac. Other than "nails should be black", it seems mum on the toe count.

~Marrow
 
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smfidler

Well-Known Member
so update, the nail isn't attached to a toe and when we have him neutered it will be a simple 1-2 stitch fix. Yay! I posted a new thread with pics:)