Olive, a 4yo FS Australian Cattle Dog, presented for evaluation of multiple avulsed claws. She had been seen at her primary care veterinarian approximately two weeks prior for a torn claw on the right thoracic limb. One day prior to presentation at the dermatology office, she returned to her primary care veterinarian for three additional avulsed claws.
Brittany Lancellotti, DVM DACVD
Veterinary Skin and Ear, Los Angeles, California
History
At that time, she was sedated with butorphanol (0.1mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (5mcg/kg). Local anesthetic was applied and the three affected claws were manually removed. All 4 paws were soaked in dilute chlorhexidine scrub. Serum chemistry at that time had no significant findings. She was discharged with cefpodoxime 5mg/kg q24, carprofen 1.9mg/kg q12 and chlorhexidine wipes q12. The owner was instructed to follow up with a veterinary dermatologist if clinical progression, such as further avulsed nails, excessive discharge, or swelling was observed.
On presentation the following day, all claws had varying degrees of onychalgia (claw pain). The ungual folds at digits where the claws had been removed had hemopurulent crusting around the exposed quicks. Two claws had early onycholysis at the distal end of the claw and one claw had onychodystrophy, but no further claws required removal at that time.
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