What issues will a dog with missing paw digits experience over time?

Question

A friend of mine breeds old english bulldogs, one of the pups of his most recent litter was born with a front left paw defect. It appears like digit 2-3-4 are missing. The dog has a full digit at the pinky position 5 and a completely intact metacarpal pad. He is not selling the dog but it is available to a home if someone would like him. I Am wondering if you have seen this defect before and what type of issues it may present over time in the dog. Pet's info: Dog | Olde English Bulldogge | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 12 days old | 14 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. It is hard to tell how this pup might do as it grows. If there are no pads, & the pup has to walk basically on just skin, this can definitely cause pain & lameness, even with the intact metacarpal pad. If he manages just to walk on this, he may be comfortable, but I would imagine his gait will be off or awkward. In the long term, he may do really well wearing a protective boot on the foot. Only time will tell. An x-ray of the foot may give more information. And yes. This defect in various forms, happens in many breeds. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

What issues will a dog with missing paw digits experience over time?

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