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Sven’s extra toe

HeatherRose

HeatherRose

Adult Guinea Pig
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Sven has an extra toe, it is just hanging there by a thread. Is it ok to leave it or should it be removed? I know dogs have them sometimes and my mom’s dog had his removed for some reason.
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Oh bless him. If it's not causing him any problems I would leave it :nod:
 
It’s a very simple procedure to remove these at the vets so personally I would have it removed so it can’t get caught on anything and cause an injury. My Cavy savvy vets remove these. Bless him. Has he got an extra one on both feet or just one foot?
 
VickiA said:
It’s a very simple procedure to remove these at the vets so personally I would have it removed so it can’t get caught on anything and cause an injury. My Cavy savvy vets remove these. Bless him. Has he got an extra one on both feet or just one foot?
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Just one foot
 
You wouldn't be doing wrong leaving it or having it removed but in my opinion, although the chances are slim, going under anaesthetic can be risky and not worth the risk for something that is causing no immediate concern.
 
HeatherRose said:
Sven has an extra toe, it is just hanging there by a thread. Is it ok to leave it or should it be removed? I know dogs have them sometimes and my mom’s dog had his removed for some reason.
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Polydactyly (an extra toe on the back feet) is not all that rare.

Removal depends. If the extra toe is firmly attached to the foot and not at any danger of catching and being ripped off, then you can leave it.
Otherwise please have it removed by a vet; it is a small procedure, but needs to be done under medical control. If in doubt, ask your vet whether they think removal would be better.
 
The reason why some owners have them removed is because of the risk of the toe catching on something and being torn/injured/ripped off. It's not harmful in and of itself. If the removal process is going to be simple, I would probably err on the side of removing it rather than risk an emergency situation down the road where it may be injured/painful. Many of this extra digits are really easy removals so I would ask a vet to assess your options the next time you see them, though I don't think there's urgency to it.
 
Do they have to use anesthesia to remove it? His is barely attached, it’s just hanging there.
 
My piggy Sugar has had exactly this, it looks like it’s hanging by a thread but hasn’t ever caused a problem, I cut the nail when it grows ok.
 
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