In 2006 my snoop started limping so I to checked his pads and noticed odd an growth, I took him to the vet and they operated and removed it, they did ask me at the time if they wanted me to send it away for analysis but as I had my last dog PTS over gangrene of the toe which just started with a limp I didn't want to know. I thought if it grows back- it grows back... well it has, its hard to explain what it is the only way I can describe it.. its like another nail growing out of his pad ?? The other day when in my bed it was sticking in me so I got a nail file and filed it down, I did the same today and it causes no problems with walking now as its sort of grown into his pad rather than out ?. looks like a nail too . Has anyone else had this strange thing happen, If so I'm very nervous about taking him back to the vet again as there only going to have to remove the toe which worries me or shall I just carry on filing it down ?

It is difficult to visualise your explanation, pity we can't see a photo. I think you need to ask a vet or may be the dog's breeder if you are still in touch with them. Even if you go to the vet you can ask for an explanation as to what it is you do not have to agree to surgery.

It is rather hard to explain what it is.. I'm sure if I did take a photo too you would still not see it properly? Just black nail like growth. You would never know it was there if he didn't have the limp to begin with.  I will certainly mention it to my vet when I go down again and see what they say . I would never of thought of filling it with an emery board! it was my sister who suggested that and seems to stop it from growing too long so not causing him any grief . sue

From what you are saying it seems that it may be a misplaced group of cells that are producing a claw where a claw should not be and if you vet thinks this too then filing it to stop it causing damage would seem to be the answer. You could have the vet operate again in the hope that this time they remove all the cells but if filing is doing the job there seems little purpose in putting the dog through an operation.

yeah only I would have a dog with weird oddities like that ! thanks Nova