Why does my dog ​​have 5 fingers on the hind legs?

Have you ever noticed how many fingers Do you have a dog in the front and back legs? You may have never noticed exactly, but dogs have 5 fingers on the front legs and 4 on the hind legs.

However, sometimes we can see dogs that have 5 fingers on the hind legs , some even 6 and are called "ram".Do not be alarmed if this is your case, we will share with you all the necessary information so that you know why this characteristic is due and that you should (or don't).

Keep reading this Animals and Pets Online article and discover why my dog ​​has 5 fingers on the hind legs .

Why do some dogs have spurs?

The spur or "toe" on the hind legs of dogs is mainly due to genetics of a series of breeds concrete , although it can manifest itself in practically any dog.This characteristic does not represent any health problem and is not a disorder or malformation.

It is believed that this claw that we can observe in the paws Rear could serve to give more support and that is due to the adaptation of certain races to the environment, however, there is no study that supports its usefulness , so there are reasonable doubts that this theory be true.We must emphasize that this fifth finger is different from the rest, as well as weaker, and offers less support than the others.

Finally, we remember that although some dogs have five fingers on the hind legs, This characteristic is not a health problem, however, when we talk about "double spur", it is cir, with six fingers on the hind legs, we would face a genetic disorder called polydactyly .

Interestingly, polydactyly is a desirable or obligatory disorder in certain dog breeds that we will mention continuation, therefore, is mentioned in the morphological standards of certain canine federations.

Dog breeds that have spurs

The standards of different dog breeds "allow" or make it desirable for some dogs to possess spurs without implying a disqualifying lack in canine morphology competitions.Among them we can highlight the Pyrenean mastiff [1], Spanish mastiff [2], San Bernardo dog [3] or Basque shepherd dog [4].

Although in some cases it may be due to a genetic disorder, no It is considered that the spur should be cut or removed, except in specific cases, when this is a health problem for the dog.In any case, it is the veterinarian who should recommend carrying out the cutting of spur in dogs.

On the other hand, remember that any other dog, whether or not it is a breed, can have a spur or double spur.Some examples can be the German shepherd, the rottweiler and even breeds as small as the yorkshire terrier or the poodle or poodle.

Problems that can cause the spur or double spur

The spur or the double spur of the hind legs are fingers that are not attached to the dog's paw in the same way as the rest of the hind fingers.There is only a union of skin and muscle, no There is bone, therefore, this characteristic can lead to certain health problems .It is important to note that in some cases we can observe even a spur of the dog in the front leg, although it is very rare.

Here are some consequences of this hereditary characteristic:

• Tearing
• Encarnacion
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Partition of the one
• Breakage of the one

In the absence of a bone that holds the fifth and even the sixth finger, it can get trapped in a fence and detach or cause the breakage or partitioning of the one , thus causing pain and suffering to the dog.It also happens that these fingers, not being in contact co n the ground, they do not wear out like the rest of some, therefore, it can happen that the dog's spur finish nailed or incarnate .If left untreated, the spur can become infected and inflamed .

Should the dog's spur be amputated?

Dogs that present one or more of the health problems mentioned above, should go to the vet urgently to perform an evaluation of the spurs, when the damage is serious and It is very advanced, the specialist may suggest amputation of the dog's spur, however, in other cases, when the dog presents recurrent problems, he can also recommend cutting the spur to the dog.

When The dog is still a puppy It is highly recommended to go to the veterinarian as soon as we detect it to assess whether the fifth finger of his hind leg should be removed.We avoid future problems and will be less traumatic for him when treating a puppy.

• It is a simple operation.
• Duration of approximately 10 minutes.
• It is not a painful operation.

In dogs older than 6 months it is not mandatory to perform the operation.If we see no discomfort evi before and we have decided not to operate on you, we must be attentive to the evolution of the fifth finger, if it is harming you, we must go to the veterinarian although:

• Post-operative recovery is slower.
• He will try to scratch and lick himself so he will have to wear a collar.
• He will walk strangely.

Finally we advise all owners to be especially careful to observe and take care of your dog so that the problem does not have serious and painful consequences.Keep an attentive attitude and go to the vet whenever you need it will make your dog win in quality of life.It brings us a healthy and happy dog!

This article is merely informative, at ExpertAnimal.com we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis.and we invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case he presents any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Why does my dog ​​have 5 fingers in the hind legs? , we recommend that you enter our Hereditary Diseases section.

References

Standard FCINº: 92 -Mastin del Pirineo Standard FCINº: 91 -Mastin Espanol Standard FCINº: 61 -Perro San Bernardo (St.Bernhardshund, Bernhardiner) Standard RSCENº: 403 -Perro Basque Shepherd (Euskal Artzain Txakurra, Gorbeiakoa or Gorbea variety)