Gundog Training Forum

Hi,
I have come to this forum in the hope that some of you might be able to help (not sure whether I’m in the right bit though??).
I am carrying out a research project for my MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy which will look at whether or not the removal of dew claws can lead to arthritis. There has been quite a lot of discussion on this topic over the years, so I am interested in digging a bit deeper into this.
I am looking for dogs aged 7 years and over that have had their dew claws removed. It would take about 5 minutes to record a couple of measurements at the dogs wrist (carpal joint) and these measurements I would then compare with similar dogs that have retained their dew claws.
I just wondered whether there were any groups/clubs/individuals out there that would allow me to come and take a few measurements of their dogs (I’m looking at early next year).
Thanks in anticipation

Yes, no problem. I might not be at home so will leave the spare key under the watering can, just help yourself.

What part of the country are you in?

Fiona

Just a suggestion. Why don't you work through a registered veterinarian. They will have much on record and dogs come and go on a daily basis.

There has been a lot of gundog theft recently so naturally we are being cautious with your post. If you want a lot of dogs together at the same time, I would suggest BVA Eye Clinics and Dog Shows so you can see the dogs and do the measurements without having home addresses.

Your best bet Sam if you want to specifically look only at gundogs is to contact your local gundog club ( KC have lists ) and then see if they have a training group local to you which you can come along to .

There are many different breeds of gundogs though which may mean that it is difficult to control your results sufficiently to draw any conclusions ..also different aspects to gundog work ( retrieving , flushing , pointing , hunt point and retrieve )

Guessing your doing the Harper Adams Msc . Very interesting research subject though

You may well also find a difference between agility dogs without dew claws and gundogs finally you may also find that there is a difference in the gundog side between the 'weekend warrior and the professional teams of dogs . Weight often can be an issue which given the increased weight bearing on the forelimbs will be a potential influencing factor for OA in the carpals but I digress

Most of the Carpal issues I find are agility dogs You may also find them easier to find and measure .

I am not sure that many gundog handlers notice these things ( no disrespect meant to anyone by the way )

Good luck with your research

Hi,
Just wanted to say thank you to those who posted suggestions.

Bogtrotter wrote:What part of the country are you in?

Fiona

Fiona, I am in Leicestershire

Springfield Pointers wrote:Just a suggestion. Why don't you work through a registered veterinarian. They will have much on record and dogs come and go on a daily basis.

Thank you Springfield Pointers, but unfortunately the vets will only pass a letter on from me to their clients and it's up to that client to contact me (which they don't)

Sgurr wrote:There has been a lot of gundog theft recently so naturally we are being cautious with your post. If you want a lot of dogs together at the same time, I would suggest BVA Eye Clinics and Dog Shows so you can see the dogs and do the measurements without having home addresses.

I completely understand your caution, I have 4 dogs of my own and am very aware of the increase in thefts - thank you for your suggestion of eye clinics and shows

Holmes wrote:Your best bet Sam if you want to specifically look only at gundogs is to contact your local gundog club ( KC have lists ) and then see if they have a training group local to you which you can come along to .

There are many different breeds of gundogs though which may mean that it is difficult to control your results sufficiently to draw any conclusions ..also different aspects to gundog work ( retrieving , flushing , pointing , hunt point and retrieve )

Guessing your doing the Harper Adams Msc . Very interesting research subject though

You may well also find a difference between agility dogs without dew claws and gundogs finally you may also find that there is a difference in the gundog side between the 'weekend warrior and the professional teams of dogs . Weight often can be an issue which given the increased weight bearing on the forelimbs will be a potential influencing factor for OA in the carpals but I digress

Most of the Carpal issues I find are agility dogs You may also find them easier to find and measure .

I am not sure that many gundog handlers notice these things ( no disrespect meant to anyone by the way )

Good luck with your research

Thank you Holmes for your suggestions. I will definitely have a look at agility - it gives me another avenue to go down

seppi wrote:

Yes, no problem. I might not be at home so will leave the spare key under the watering can, just help yourself.

It's very sad that when someone asks for a bit of help there is always one who feels the need to throw in a sarcastic comment - shame

Post a you tube clip on how to take the measurements properly. Post the clip on relevant sites.


Sit back and watch as the results come into your 'in box'.


My suspicious mind wonders why would you spend fortunes on fuel travelling goodness knows how far and wide when there are so many easier ways to find what it is you are looking for.

seppi wrote:Post a you tube clip on how to take the measurements properly. Post the clip on relevant sites.


Sit back and watch as the results come into your 'in box'.


My suspicious mind wonders why would you spend fortunes on fuel travelling goodness knows how far and wide when there are so many easier ways to find what it is you are looking for.

I actually quite like your suggestion - sadly it's not that simple

The probability of error would be far too great, and I don't think most people would have a goniometer in their kitchen drawer.

So it looks like i'll have to continue with my quest to find dew claw-less dogs, while you continue with your 'suspicious mind'

Regards

What about approaching the Spaniel Club for permission to do the measurements on the dogs at the Springer Championships in January? There would be about 50 there and the vast majority would be docked and dew claws removed?