Extra Dew Claw; boston terriers; ask the pet nurse;

Question
My dog is not a Boston Terrier, but a terrier mix.  Her name is Pepper and she's 12 yrs. old.  I've noticed lately that the pads of her feet and toes are dry.  I rubbed some lotion on them tonight, and noticed that her one front foot pad looks like it could have an extra dew claw growing out of it.  I'm sure I would have noticed this before at some point, so I'm assuming that it could be new.  A few months ago she did have a swollen paw and we took her to the vet.  We saw no reason for the swelling, but antibiotics did the trick and she was better within days.  Do you think they could be associated, and is it possible that she could just grow an extra nail like that?

Thanks!  

Deanna Dorman

Answer
Hello Deanna - Wow, I don't believe they can grow an x-tra one like you have stated.  As for the swollen paw pads of no known reason??? Many times it is related to food allergies or Environmental allergies.

For paw pads - there are some great salves on the market - to protect the paws / and to aide in the protection of contact allergies.
SEE Here - Nature's Sunshine Black Ointment-  Just place some in any area of the skin or PAW Pads..... should be placed on the feet in the spring and summer - to avoid pollen and grass.
In the winter - protects against the harsh salts and cold.
http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=1696


Next, - all My clients - OR Most of them take 1 NuVET wafer per day - Great skin and coat supplement/ immune system healer and helps to fight off allergies and Swelling.
Cost is about .65 cents per day for most doggies.
A 60 count is 39.00  ( two months of NuVET Wafers )
Go here and tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you....
1-800-474-7044  ( use order code 81098 and ask about the 15 % off auto ship discount program)
Or
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
( again, make sure they know I sent you so we can track you as one of my clients.)  Also, keep in touch with me by my personal e-mail
mtnmom@gci.net


BEST wishes to you and your Boston kid!

Marie Peppers LPN MA
ask the Pet Nurse