VN June 2021

Vetnews | June 2021 29 Each time the foot lands on the ground, particularly when the dog is cantering or galloping, the dewclaw is in touch with the ground. If the dog then needs to turn, the dewclaw digs into the ground to support the lower leg and prevent torque. If the dog doesn’t have a dewclaw, the leg twists. A lifetime of that and the result can be carpal arthritis, or perhaps injuries to other joints. The dog is doing the activity regardless, and the pressures on the leg have to go somewhere. In her experience, the field trial and agility dogs develop chronic carpal arthritis. Of these dogs, almost all of them have had their dewclaws removed. This provides food for thought and does require properly devised research projects to establish the validity of this observation. However, as veterinarians, perhaps it is time to question a practice that is performed for our (and the owner’s) convenience. Full article available on www.caninesports.com v Customised veterinary medicines to effectively address your patient’s requirements Service Centre: 0860 109 779 or pharmacist@v-tech.co.za ISO 9001:2015 Accredited