Polydactyly in dogs: causes, implications, and treatment

Polydactyly, a condition characterized by the presence of extra toes on a dog's paws, is a fascinating and relatively rare phenomenon that sparks curiosity among both pet owners and veterinary professionals.

Although more common in cats—particularly breeds like the Maine Coon—polydactyly can also occur in dogs, where it is generally considered a benign anomaly, though it may have implications in veterinary orthopedics.

Polydactyly is a genetic condition in which the dog has one or more extra toes on the paws. It can occur on either the front or hind paws, but is more commonly seen on the front ones. The additional digits vary in development: some are fully formed and functional, while others may be rudimentary and non-functional.

The cause of polydactyly is usually a genetic mutation. In many cases, the condition is hereditary, passed from parents to offspring. However, the genetic expression that results in extra toes can vary, making the inheritance of polydactyly somewhat unpredictable.

While many dogs with polydactyly do not experience discomfort or difficulty walking, the condition can lead to orthopedic issues, especially if the extra digits interfere with the animal's normal gait or are prone to injuries.

In such cases, a veterinary orthopedic specialist should be consulted to evaluate whether any intervention is necessary.

Treatment for polydactyly in dogs depends on the severity of the symptoms and the potential for complications. In many instances, no treatment is required, especially if the extra digits do not negatively impact the animal’s quality of life. However, if problems such as constant friction, pain, or risk of injury arise, surgical removal of the extra digits may be recommended.

Surgery, when needed, is generally straightforward, and dogs tend to recover quickly with basic postoperative care. What’s important is that any decision regarding surgical removal should be based on a careful assessment of the potential benefits to the animal’s quality of life.

Due to the genetic nature of polydactyly, it is crucial that responsible breeders take genetic aspects into account when selecting animals for breeding. Although polydactyly is typically not a harmful condition, ethical breeding practices suggest avoiding the propagation of anomalous genetic traits without a clear purpose.

Polydactyly in dogs is a genetic peculiarity that, while rare and often harmless, requires special attention in certain cases to ensure it does not compromise the animal’s health or well-being.

For dog owners whose pets have this condition, regular check-ups with a veterinarian—preferably one specialized in orthopedics—are recommended to ensure the pet maintains a healthy and comfortable life.

In summary, while polydactyly may be merely a biological curiosity for some, in the world of veterinary orthopedics it represents an important point of interest and study, reinforcing the need for an informed and careful approach when managing these unique cases.

References

Metzger, Julia & Pfahler, Sophia & Distl, Ottmar. (2016). Variant detection and runs of homozygosity in next generation sequencing data elucidate the genetic background of Lundehund syndrome. BMC Genomics. 17. 10.1186/s12864-016-2844-6.