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Canine Phalanges - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 11:34, 21 August 2008
, 11:34, 21 August 2008→'''Claw'''
===='''Claw'''====
===='''Claw'''====
* This is the horny covering of the distal phalanx. The walls of the claw, which are continuous dorsally, embrace the soft flaky horn of the sole when they touch the ground.
* The proximal part of the claw, '''coronary border''' fits between the ungual groove and the ungual crest, where it is continuous with the skin, making the '''claw fold'''.
* The periosteum of the distal phalanx is continuous with the dermis, which is arranged in '''papillae'''. These cover the dorsal aspect of the phalanx and contain the '''germinative layer'''. These are flat keratinised epidermal cells which are considered responsible for horn formation.
* The lateral and medial walls are formed by dermal laminae, instead of papillae.
* The plantar aspect of the claw is produced by papillae but this horn is very friable.
* The claws grow at rapid rate and so if they aren't worn by active wear they must be trimmed. Care must be taken as the dermis is highly vascular and bleeding will occur if cut into. To ensure that only the epidermis is cut take great care.