Our 8 year old springer had a damaged dewclaw, a few years ago he damaged it really badly a complete rip down the side and was very painful.He has done it again not as bad but licking it all the time and yelping when its touched.
We are taking him to the vets tommorow the vet did say before that of he damaged it again we might have to consider having it removed.

So just wondered if anyone else has had this trouble and has anyones dog had a dewclaw removed other than the removal in the usual removal time when done as young pup.

I would if it were myself be tempted to have it removed! But it is a lot bigger operation then when they are removed from a two day old pup as they have to have full anesthetic. Assuming your dog is in good health otherwise and is able to cope with the anesthetic!

At the end of the day your vet will explain the options and tell you his opinions! be steered by him!
DT

Thanks i agree because it is painful and i would rather him have it done now than wait until he is at more of a risk of an op or maybe too old then have to live with it. He is 9 in a couple of months and very fit has no medical problems, infact no one believes how old he is, but heart organs or 9 years old so maybe still be a risk.

My 5 year old Lab has had dew claw problems on and off late last year, she was in a lot of discomfort with them.
We actually had them removed in the end. I was actually surprised at how quick she recovered.

How long was the op, do you know and what was the recovery like.

I agree!. if you can tape it up tonight, i really do no about this please pm me if you want
chris

I can't remember how long the op was, but she came home with them bandaged up, had a little seepage (sp) which is normal for a couple of days....had restricted exercise for a bit.
She really was fine, back to her old self in no time.
It was better then hear her cry out in pain when she ripped one

Oh yes definetly it must be painfull because he snapped at my hand when we touched it, and honestly that isnt him the last time he snapped was when he did it before, but bless him when i held his paw again and told him no (because i wanted to see how bad it was) he just whimpered.Its such a shame i hate him hurting, the pup has just has a lick so maybe we wont need the vet now. it will all be fine now, bless her.

Do not think the op will be very long - maybe only around 10-15 minutes! but they will be cutting into a main guider(or whatever you call it!) Bit like having your little toe removed I expect is the best way to describe it!! BBM would maybe kbow how long the op would be!
DT

Yes the vet said that it was like amputating our thumb so didnt want to do it unnessarily if its only a short op them not so much anesthetic, but i have to way up the risks of the op and the risks of him living with this and i dont want that, as he is such a yound looking fir full of life dog it would be a shame to hinder his life with this pain.