410 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. 
Lreatment—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. 
Doubtless 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 
