Pat and I do tails and dew claws the same way. I like them longer than many people cause I like the furry hair on them. In the pics of my Jesse you can see that his tail is/was longer. I use a sterile curved Kelly clamp..it is the larger of the clamps that you can find in the animal supply catalogs. I find it works best for the tails because of its strength. I leave the clamp on the tail for a couple of minutes, then twist the tail end off.. still leave the clamp on for a bit longer. I use the curved sterile mosquito clamp,,it is the small one in the catalogs. Clamp it on, leave it for a minute or so and twist te clamp and the dew claw comes off. If there is a drop of blood, and on rare occasions there MIGHT be, always have a cap full of styptic powder ready to dip the footsy in. If the mom licks excessively, she can make the seal break and bleed. Use a wee dab of bitter apple or Tea Tree Oil to discourage the licking..
The mosquito clamp is also what I use to remove the hair from the ears. I thank goodness for Pat every time I have to do these things..I was lucky enough to have her as my teacher... |