Tail Docking and Dewclaw Removal in Puppies

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                      General Information



Tail docking, or surgical shortening of the tail, is performed

for any of 3 reasons:  to comply with established breed

standards, to improve the animal's appearance, or to treat

injury or disease.



The dewclaws are the small nails located on the inside of the

front paws and occasionally the rear paws.  Since these claws do

not touch the ground, they do not wear down.  If they are not

regularly trimmed, they may curl around and grow into the foot.

The dewclaws are prone to injury because of their location and

should be removed in hunting and working breeds.  They are

usually removed in such breeds as Poodles and Schnauzers to

improve appearance.



               Home Care of Puppies 3-7 Days Old



    * Check the tails daily for 1 week to make sure the mother

    does not chew the stitches.



    * Keep the sleeping area very clean so that the tails or

    dewclaw wounds do not become infected.  This is particularly

    important for the first 2-3 days after surgery.



                    Home Care of Older Dogs



    * Allow only minimal outdoor activity until the wound is

    healed and the stitches have been removed.  This is to

    prevent your pet from contaminating the wound before proper

    healing has occurred.



    * Check the wound frequently to make sure your pet does not

    chew the sutures.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet chews or pulls out the stitches.



    * There is bleeding or swelling at the incision.



    * The wound is draining or partially open.



    * There is a change in your pet's general health.