Claw disease in dogs: Part 1 – anatomy and diagnostic approach

Abstract

Claw and claw fold diseases are relatively rare in the dog but can be frustrating conditions to diagnose and treat. They may also be debilitating for affected animals and result in severe pain and lameness. A rigorous, methodical diagnostic approach is required in order to narrow down a large differential diagnoses list. Diagnostic tests, including bacterial and fungal culture and impression smear cytology, can be helpful but histopathological examination of a whole claw biopsy may be required in order to help achieve a definitive diagnosis.