Hi there brand new here so be gentle We had word today that the new lab puppy we've been waiting for is missing an outside little toe. Looks like it was probably overzealous grooming by the mum. This is our first ever pup so we're kinda worried although friends are saying nothing to be worried about! They've taken her to the vet who also apparently said no problem and we're not trying to second guess a professional! but just for peace of mind, do any of you experienced folks have any experience with this? could it be a problem later on ? And how do we deal with pet insurance? do we mention it? would it be a case of right anything wrong with that paw would be excluded because of a pre-existing problem? As you can tell, our minds are overthinking this now but any advice more than welcome oh and Hi everyone Thanks!
Hello and welcome. I have no idea if this injury would impact on your pup in the future, but I guess as the vet is not concerned it is minimal. However, technically you are right, its a pre existing condition so anything related to it in the future your jnsurance would not cover it. Sometimes insurers ask for all previous vet records and it is recorded on there as it has been discussed. I have been caught out with that clause once a long time ago !
I would only be concerned of the breeding. Reputable breeders would definitely work with you with this issue. Especially if they are selling you a pup.
I think it is only likely to be an issue if you want to show your pup in conformation, if you want to do a very athletic dog sport like agility or flyball perhaps - or if you have hopes of breeding from your puppy - since there is a chance it's not down to overzealous grooming by mom, but down to something genetic. Otherwise, if the puppy is not at all bothered by it and it has totally healed, then it doesn't sound like it will cause problems in future. It's worth remembering that many puppies still have dew claws removed by breeders - which is effectively removing a digit at birth - without many noticeable adverse effects. (There are some who believe there are adverse effects, though, but certainly this is not something most people are aware of.) As for insurance: This is one of those things where it depends on the 'generosity' of your insurer and the way your vet fills in the insurance form. For example, say your puppy later developed a problem as a result of this missing toe - like early arthritis or muscle strain or something - there would be an argument that the condition being treated is NOT the missing toe, it's the arthritis or muscle strain. Which would be a new condition and not something the puppy has now. Unless you actually growing the toe back(!), you're not treating an existing condition. But yes, some insurers are really able to wriggle out of paying just about anything. I use Direct Line in the UK, because they have proved to me to be willing to pay up generously!
