Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Ronald Schultz on Pet Vaccines
Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian interviews Dr. Ronald Schultz and together they discuss important information about rabies, pet vaccines and vaccine protocol.
Dr. Ronald Schultz is a Professor and Chair of the Pathobiological Sciences Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and Principal Investigator, along with Dr. Jean Dodds, for the Rabies Challenge Fund.* Dr. Schultz is an internationally recognized expert in the field of canine (and feline) vaccines and regularly participates in international meetings and forums in this field. He was the US Representative of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Vaccination Guidelines Group and Board Member of the 2003 and 2006 American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Task Forces and the AAFP Feline Vaccine Task Force.
Function of Dewclaws:
Front dewclaws are typically removed by some at 3-5 days of age, because they are believed to be a non-functional digit that poses an unnecessary risk for being injured.
In standing, the front dewclaw may not appear to be functional because it doesn't come in contact with the ground. However, observing the dewclaw when the dog is in motion tells a different story.
Five tendons attach to the dewclaw and play an important role when the dog is in motion. For example:
When a dog’s lead leg is on the ground during the gallop or canter, the dewclaw is on the ground to stabilize the carpus.
When a dog turns, the dewclaw digs into the ground to support the structures of the limb and prevent torque.
If a dog does not have dewclaws, there is a higher potential for the carpal ligaments to stretch and tear which could result in laxity and arthritis over time (OUCH!). This can then result in more stress being generated through the dog's carpus, elbow, shoulder, and spine as it tries to compensate for the lack of digit.
In speaking with many vets, you would be surprised at how few dewclaw injuries they see.
So- given the front dewclaws' functional use, why are we so quick to remove them?
In dogs, the most common injuries seen by many rehab providers and vets occur in the shoulder complex, yet we don’t see shoulders being removed. Food for thought!
In standing, the front dewclaw may not appear to be functional because it doesn't come in contact with the ground. However, observing the dewclaw when the dog is in motion tells a different story.
Five tendons attach to the dewclaw and play an important role when the dog is in motion. For example:
When a dog’s lead leg is on the ground during the gallop or canter, the dewclaw is on the ground to stabilize the carpus.
When a dog turns, the dewclaw digs into the ground to support the structures of the limb and prevent torque.
If a dog does not have dewclaws, there is a higher potential for the carpal ligaments to stretch and tear which could result in laxity and arthritis over time (OUCH!). This can then result in more stress being generated through the dog's carpus, elbow, shoulder, and spine as it tries to compensate for the lack of digit.
In speaking with many vets, you would be surprised at how few dewclaw injuries they see.
So- given the front dewclaws' functional use, why are we so quick to remove them?
In dogs, the most common injuries seen by many rehab providers and vets occur in the shoulder complex, yet we don’t see shoulders being removed. Food for thought!