Onychectomy as a therapy for symmetric claw and claw fold disease in the dog.

Abstract

Chronic onychodystrophies are a group of diseases that are frustrating and potentially expensive to manage. Despite appropriate diagnostics, an underlying etiology may not be identified. Long-term therapy may result in resolution or remission; however, relapses are common. In many cases, the disease persists in the face of appropriate therapy. Seven dogs with chronic onychodystrophies were treated with onychectomies. Treatment resolved the clinical signs for a follow-up period of four months to six years.