Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
French spaniels licking and biting paws causing ulcers and claw loss
By Paradis, Manon et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2005·Department of Clinical Sciences, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Acral mutilation and analgesia in 13 French spaniels.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 13 French spaniels in Canada showed signs of a serious condition where they licked and bit at their feet, causing painful ulcers and even losing parts of their toes and pads. This condition, known as acral mutilation and analgesia, was first noticed in dogs between 3.5 and 12 months old. Surprisingly, these dogs did not seem to feel pain or limp despite their severe injuries. Unfortunately, most of the affected dogs were euthanized shortly after being diagnosed due to the severity of their condition.
People also search for: French spaniel foot problems · dog self-mutilation treatment · why is my dog biting its feet
Abstract
Acral mutilation and analgesia (AMA) is reported in 13 French spaniels in Canada. This newly recognized disorder shares striking similarities in clinical features and biopsy findings to the other acral mutilation syndromes or hereditary sensory neuropathies reported in German short-haired pointer dogs, English pointer dogs and English springer spaniels. Clinical signs are first noted between 3.5 and 12 months of age. Affected dogs lick, bite and severely self-mutilate their distal extremities resulting in ulcers with secondary bacterial infection. Auto-amputation of claws, digits and footpads occurs in severe cases. Single or multiple feet can be affected. Affected dogs walked on their severely mutilated feet without evidence of pain, lameness, or ataxia. The majority of the dogs were euthanized within days to months of diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15842538/