4IO The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 



brought to me as to their suffering, and constantly licking 

 a limb, without the true cause being suspected. 



Treatment. — This simply consists in dividing the nail 

 with strong scissors or claw-cutting forceps, and drawing 

 forth the imbedded point, when immediate relief will be 

 afforded. Poulticing for a few days is often advisable, 

 especially if there is much swelling and suppuration. 

 Unlike the other nails, these, through their position, have 

 no wear, and therefore their condition should be watched. 



REMOVAL OF DEW-CLAWS. 



The dew-claws, or supplementary toes, grow above the 

 foot, on the inside of the leg, and are apparently of but 

 little use." Youatt observes : " They are simply illustra- 

 tions of the uniformity of structure which prevails in all 

 animals, so far as is consistent with their destiny." This 

 view, however, will not hold good generally. Until re- 

 cently, the St Bernard was considered imperfect without 

 double dew-claws, yet such an endowment was simply 

 superfluous, and much akin to a second thumb on the 

 human hand, defacing, or detracting from the uniformity 

 of structure and creating an eyesore to admirers of per- 

 fection. 



DoiSbtless double dew-claws became hereditary, or were 

 encouraged to become so by breeding only with dogs 

 possessing them. 



Now, wisely, St. Bernards without dew-claws can pass 

 muster, and hold their own in the show ring. Lately, 

 however, the elongation of the dew-claw on the hind leg, 

 so as to form a kind of fifth toe, has been made a point of 

 excellence, but one, unless I am much mistaken, that will 

 be generally discarded as an attempt to foster and 

 develop a monstrosity. 



The presence, however, of dew-claws, especially in 

 sporting dogs, is generally regarded as an eyesore, and as 

 they are frequently torn, and impede the animal's duties 



