Lucky lost a dew claw.

[Sharon7]

Here’s an interesting article about dew claws....http://www.mcrehabilitation.com/blog/the-function-of-dewclaws-101
The breeders here will typically remove the rear dewclaws but not the front. The front dewclaws do actually serve a purpose in stabilizing the leg, especially in turns. They’ve actually found that dogs tend to have more injuries to the tendons and muscles in the front leg (due to weakening) when the dewclaws have been removed. The key is to make sure they’re kept short, letting them grow too long could cause them to get caught and ripped out.

Very interesting. All our Shelties except the first had all dewclaws removed by the breeders. But Meadow has her front dewclaws, I didn't notice at first, so I never asked the breeder about it.

 

[Shelby's mom]

Our 1st did not have her dew claws removed at birth, so we had them removed when she was spayed. And like mentioned before it was a pretty big deal. It was a bit painful for her.

 

[Sandy in CT]

Brodie has dewclaws and they are actually a positive for dogs who do agility. Deacon does not have dewclaws.

 

[Bob R]

Well things have returned to normal. Lucky is busy being himself again, and the foot he held up is back down an in daily use full of running around as was the case prior to my inquiry about the dew claw. He will be at the vet in a few weeks for his annual shots, and I will use that visit to ask my vet for his thoughts on the matter. But for now Lucky is back to normal activities. Thank you all.

Bob

 

[Piper's mom]

Great news Bob! Glad to hear Lucky is back to normal!
Thanks for the update!

 

[Sharon7]

Phew it's always great when whatever is bugging them just goes away!

 

[Ron Atkinson]

Good news, glad things are getting back to normal.