The Derm Vet

Claw avulsion... When we get cases of Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO), the claw can be coming off which causes a lot of pain/discomfort for the pet. We just discussed this disease in a previous post... and then a case came in that same day for a claw avulsion!

So, I wanted to show you how I perform these. I use heavy IV sedation and perform a ring block of lidocaine/sodium bicarb locally for a little extra comfort. Then, use a large alligator curved pair of forceps and pull it off.

You can’t pull off all SLO claws, but the ones that are starting to lift run the risk of catching on something and bleeding. It is nice to remove it in a controlled fashion and they tend to feel a lot better.

Have you done this procedure?

Pododermatitis is one of the more difficult clinical symptoms to manage. This is because the underlying cause can be multifactorial.

Though we blame allergies (and often that is true)... there are usually other causes that contribute as well. These causes could include conformation, endocrinopathies, obesity, foreign body reaction, etc.

Controlling inflammation and infection is important... but also make sure to consider why it is happening.

SLO (Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy) is an autoimmune nail disease in dogs that can be incredibly painful and frustrating for both pets and owners…

This condition causes inflammation at the nail bed (“lupus pattern” inflammation), leading to abnormal, brittle, cracked, or lifting nails. In severe cases, the nail can partially detach, creating significant pain and pressure on the nail fold and toe.

Key things to know about SLO in dogs:

• SLO usually affects MULTIPLE nails — if only one nail is involved, trauma or infection should still be considered as differentials. (Hence the term symmetrical.)

• If a nail is lifting or loose, removing (avulsing) the nail is often one of the best ways to provide immediate comfort. Under heavy sedation or anesthesia, the abnormal nail can be removed to relieve pressure and pain — and most nails will regrow over time.

• You typically do NOT need to amputate the toe for diagnosis. Histopathology can be difficult to interpret with SLO, so diagnosis is often made clinically based on history and appearance.

• There are MANY treatment options depending on severity, including:
🐟 Omega-3 fatty acids
💊 Doxycycline + niacinamide
🩺 Cyclosporine
💉 Steroids
🧬 JAK inhibitors… and more.

One of the MOST important long-term management tips? Keep nails trimmed SHORT. Longer nails hit the ground harder, increasing pressure, discomfort, and the risk of additional nail trauma.

Have you managed a dog with SLO before? What treatment protocols have worked best for you?