The American Beagler Forum

Doc S,

I would like do know the potential effects (nerve damage, running ability) of having a vet remove the rear dew claws on a three year old beagle. Would you recommend having them removed? What is the price range one should expect to pay to have this done? If it matters to your response, my main concern is the potential damage caused during hunting such as catching the dew claw on a stick when returning foot to ground

With that said, I would like to know the same for the front dew claws. They appear to be more rigidly attached. For these, I not the very concerned with damage, but hate having to clip them. If the vet has to put the hound out for the rear ones, would you suggest to have the fronts taken off also?

Thanks for you time. I appreciate the serve you provide to this forum. Thanks again.

If the rear ones are like most and they have no bone attatching them to the foot, take a dental rubberband (ask someone that wears braces) and figure 8 it and roll it onto a pencil (halfing the size) and roll it off of the pencil and onto the dew claw. Wait 10-14 days and it will fall off. Kind of like castrating a bull calf except on a smaller scale.

I had the front ones removed on my first beagle when I had her spayed and I think it cost me between $80-$100 for both proceedures. However that was 6 years ago. It did require the dog being asleep and bandaging the front legs and stiches. Lots of work there, not to mention a funny looking beagle with pink socks.

Emery

Rear dewclaws a "generally" easy, but front can be tougher. They generally have boney attachment, and require longer recovery time. It is a simple procedure though, and most any veterinarian should be able to do it. If I have reason to knock one out that has front dewclaws, I generally do go ahead and remove them myself. Doc S

I had rear dew claws removed on one of my hounds in Oct. Cost 158.00. She had four stitches in one side and nine in the other. The one that had the nine she doesnt care to have fooled with still. Hers were big and floppy and I was afraid they would get caught on something. Had to keep the bandages on for five days. On the fourth night she had pushed them down around her paw while we were sleeping. Got up at five am. Her paw was huge. It acted like a tournequet over night. Put it in warm water to get the blood flowing again. Thus another trip to the vets.

She is doing great now. Hasnt hurt her in her ability to run in the least. We dont have the front ones removed.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Sorry guest was me, cleaned my cookies again! I got looking over my records and the cost was 151.00. Also it was staples she had seven in one side and four in the other.
Sorry right now my mind is elsewhere.