Puppy Missing Rear Toes and Pads Needs Suggestion

[Neko]

Hello,
we just noticed that our little bundle of love has a missing toe. (back right foot)
The breeder was so sad to see the picture she has no idea how she did not notice it, he has been running just fine etc..

Anyone ever seen this before? Will this be a huge deal as he grows?

We have our first vet visit on Friday and will make sure to mention this, but just want to see what everyone thinks?

We had him for only 3 days and totally in love with the smart boy.

Thank you for all the feedback <3

~Worried mom

[Piper'sgrl]

I say he will be just fine..no one noticed until now so he obviously is in no pain..probably born that way, or maybe mom chewed a bit too hard when he was just a little thing. I wouldn't worry too much but mention it to the vet to be sure.

[Neko]

Originally Posted by Piper'sgrl

I say he will be just fine..no one noticed until now so he obviously is in no pain..probably born that way, or maybe mom chewed a bit too hard when he was just a little thing. I wouldn't worry too much but mention it to the vet to be sure.

Thank you!

Yes she is a new mom and he was a first born.
Not limping, not in pain if we touch it.

I hope he just adapts and it is just one less nail to clip =)

[Mooch]

It's a bit strange the breeder did not notice that I'd hope they will at least refund you the purchase price (or at least a percentage off)

I went to a seminar recently and there was a young Shepherd puppy (3 month old I think) there who was missing 3 back toes - his foot looked really strange all straight like as if you cut the fingers of your hand and just have the palm left.
He had other health issues as well but was a bright sparky happy pup
Definitely mention it to the vet, the pup needs a thorough check up but don't let it stress you too much As long he's getting around define and not in pain it should hopefully not ever be a problem (unless you bought him as a show dog)

[Lilie]

My boy only has the two outside toes on his back paw. I knew this when I purchased him. The bitch chewed off the toes along with the umbilical cord when he was whelped.

During the well puppy visit the vet told me he'd have 50% chance of having problems due to it. Sadly, (at three) he is totally lame on that leg. He twists his leg when he walks. So that hock points inwards. He'll have a life time of problems with his leg. We have to keep him lean and he has a weak hind end.

He did not limp at all as a young pup. It wasn't until he was 6 months did he begin walking 'gimpy'.

If the pup limps at all you can not compete in any AKC events. Most events will pull you if they can visually see a limp.

Having said all that - my dog only has two toes. Much different than your pup. It may not ever have a noticable irregular gait. I felt I needed to make you aware of what could happen.

[Neko]

Originally Posted by Mooch

It's a bit strange the breeder did not notice that I'd hope they will at least refund you the purchase price (or at least a percentage off)
I went to a seminar recently and there was a young Shepherd puppy (3 month old I think) there who was missing 3 back toes - his foot looked really strange all straight like as if you cut the fingers of your hand and just have the palm left.
He had other health issues as well but was a bright sparky happy pup
Definitely mention it to the vet, the pup needs a thorough check up but don't let it stress you too much As long he's getting around define and not in pain it should hopefully not ever be a problem (unless you bought him as a show dog)

Thank you, all of these words are helping stressed new mom =)

He is not a show pup, but with his grip I was thinking maybe a sport!

Money/breeder is not an issue, we actually had a deal (services) and I have an amazing relationship with the breeder. This was the only boy and I wanted him so bad! He was pretty much given to me for work I did. He comes from a great breeder, amazing set of parents mom: IPO2, KKL1, HD a1, ED a1 dad: IPO3, KKL1, HD a1, ED a1
I hope he grows to live with it and adapt. If I did not take him, the baby still needs a home. He is so amazing, he already owns me =)

[Neko]

Originally Posted by Lilie

My boy only has the two outside toes on his back paw. I knew this when I purchased him. The bitch chewed off the toes along with the umbilical cord when he was whelped.

During the well puppy visit the vet told me he'd have 50% chance of having problems due to it. Sadly, (at three) he is totally lame on that leg. He twists his leg when he walks. So that hock points inwards. He'll have a life time of problems with his leg. We have to keep him lean and he has a weak hind end.

He did not limp at all as a young pup. It wasn't until he was 6 months did he begin walking 'gimpy'.

If the pup limps at all you can not compete in any AKC events. Most events will pull you if they can visually see a limp.

Having said all that - my dog only has two toes. Much different than your pup. It may not ever have a noticable irregular gait. I felt I needed to make you aware of what could happen.

Thank you for the feedback, I guess time will tell. Should we do an xray at the vet? or just deal with it for not since that will not really change anything?

[Faelan]

Faelan's toe isn't missing but he does have permanent tendon damage in it. He doesn't use it at all that that toe (the rear outside) never touches the ground. The vet has had us consider amputating it, but probably wont unless it becomes a necessity. At any rate, he walks and runs just fine. Other than the initial wound problems we haven't had any problems with it.

[Neko]

Originally Posted by Faelan

Faelan's toe isn't missing but he does have permanent tendon damage in it. He doesn't use it at all that that toe (the rear outside) never touches the ground. The vet has had us consider amputating it, but probably wont unless it becomes a necessity. At any rate, he walks and runs just fine. Other than the initial wound problems we haven't had any problems with it.

Thank you so much for sharing. Really appreciate it. I was awake all night thinking about it. It's my first dog, as "my" dog, so this is all new to me and of-course I am on the edge of my seat.

[RebelGSD]

One of my fosters needed a toe removed because of a benign growth. She did not even register it, no problems whatsoever.