My Guinea pig has what appears to be an extra claw that has grown, but it is alot like dry skin. What is it?

When i touch it it moves very loosely like it is not a claw, and he dosen't complain about it. But i am very sure it shouldn't be there. I've only noticed it the past 2 weeks.





Is it something i can trim off or is it best to go to the vets.





My guinea pig is just over a year old.

My Guinea pig has what appears to be an extra claw that has grown, but it is alot like dry skin. What is it?
yep, go to the vets, and they will decide what it is.
Reply:The thing on it's foot is called a 'spur'. No one really knows what causes them, and can be carefully removed by clipping them close to the pink skin using a human nail-clipper. Don't tear it or pull it - the skin underneath is very sensitive and you will hurt your piggy.
Reply:Vets, go to the vets.
Reply:Is it on the front or back paw?





Back paw:





From Guinea Lynx:





Polydactyly


V.C.G. Richardson describes some cavies as Polydactyly (having an extra toe or toes) usually on the hind legs and states that this may be the result of inbreeding.





A vet can remove the extra toe(s) to prevent tearing. One method of removal is by using a ligature (string tightly tied to cut off blood flow to the dangling toe).





Otherwise, on the front paw, it might be a spur:





Spurs


Some guinea pigs develop flaps of tough skin that protrude from their front feet. These spurs can be carefully removed with a nail clipper to prevent accidental tearing. Avoid clipping too closely and causing bleeding.





Development of spurs does not seem to be related to the type of bedding or flooring used. The author notes only one of her three pigs grew spurs while the other two never had them. All cavies were kept on towels and/or heavy cotton cloth. Now 6 years old, Snowflake (a photo of her foot appears at the right) no longer grows spurs. A combination of genetics, activity level and husbandry may all contribute to their development.





V.C.G. Richardson calls these flaps corns and describes them as horny material between the toes on the underside of the foot, most commonly found on the forefeet. She recommends cleaning a trimmed foot with a dilute solution of povidone-iodine. She warns that poorly kept living quarters (abrasive bedding materials and/or a dirty floor) may lead to infection and the development of pododermatitis.





http://www.guinealynx.info/feet.html#nai...





I've never had a piggie with an actual extra toe but I've had several with spurs.





As another poster mentioned, you can carefully trim it ( I use a tiny pair of scissors.) But don't tear, rip or pull on it as it can hurt your piggie.





Either way, it's nothing really bad or harmful for your guinea pig. You can always ask the vet about it during a check up.





Enjoy your little friend!
Reply:It sounds like a foot spur. A vet can remove it. Never tyr to remove it yourself, since you aren't qualified to do so, and you would cause your GP a LOT of pain.