| div align="center"> | | | | good. |
| SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR HAVANESE DOG'S | | | | In fact, new research is showing that by removing |
| DEWCLAWS REMOVED? | | | | the dewclaws you may be causing long term harm to |
| This is a question that is being asked with more | | | | your Havanese and promoting health problems such |
| frequency. The dewclaw is the | | | | as joint laxity and arthritis. |
| âfifthâ little claw that grows higher | | | | âThe following excerpt from Dr. Zink is very |
| on the leg than the others. Unlike the other four | | | | applicable to the Havanese breed since Havanese are |
| claws that have constant contact with the ground | | | | very well known for their "run like crazy" activity and |
| this claw sometimes seems to remain off the ground | | | | are commonly used in agility competitions ... |
| when the dog is standing. It does, however, make | | | | "....with so many carpal bones that don't tightly |
| contact with the ground while the dog is running. | | | | interlock with the adjacent bones the ligaments of |
| Some Havanese breeders will have a vet remove the | | | | this joint can be easily stretched and even torn when |
| dewclaws from their puppies when they are just a | | | | torque(twisting) is applied to the leg. The dewclaws |
| few days old as part of their general health | | | | have the important function of reducing the torque |
| procedure. These breeders and their social circles | | | | that is applied to the front legs, especially when dogs |
| have tried to label this as a healthy and responsible | | | | are turning at a canter (the main gait speed in agility) |
| practice. | | | | In the canter, there is a moment during each stride |
| The reason for this is that dewclaw removal has | | | | when the dog's accessory carpal pad(on the back of |
| been perceived by some to offer both health and | | | | the carpus) of the lead front leg touches the ground |
| safety benefits for the dogs. Dewclaws have been | | | | and the rear legs and the other front leg swing |
| seen as a weak claw that can sometimes become | | | | forward to prepare for the next stride. At this point, |
| loose and rip partway off or catch on objects while | | | | the dewclaw is in contact with the ground and if the |
| the dog is running. The logic is that the removal of | | | | dog turns, the dewclaw can dig in for extra traction |
| the dewclaws eliminates these hazards. There is still a | | | | to prevent unnecessary torque on the front leg. |
| large and very legitimate debate, however, as to the | | | | Without the gripping action of the dog's "thumbs" |
| validity of the claim that dewclaw removal is healthy | | | | there is more stress on the ligaments of the carpus. |
| for your Havanese. | | | | This may cause the ligaments to stretch and tear |
| As a dog breeder of over 14 years I have personally | | | | over time, resulting in joint laxity and ultimately, in |
| never had any negative issue arise from dewclaws. It | | | | arthritis" |
| is my opinion that the dewclaws should not be | | | | (excerpt of "Dogs in Canada" article by Chris Zink |
| removed as a general practice. There are always | | | | DVM.,Ph.D) â |
| situations where the removal of the dewclaws may | | | | Article written by Kelly Grenga |
| be necessary for particular dogs but as a universal | | | | Kelly is a Havanese breeder with KASE Havaneseand |
| practice it may ultimately cause more harm than | | | | currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. |