For those of you who just popped in, this topic came out of a discussion on another thread and I just moved it over.
First a few words from my conversation w/ DH (the vet):)
I spoke with DH about the first two above. He said that he does both at clients request. He said that there isn't particularly a need for either, it is painful and that it is generally done to meet breed standard requirements. If you raise puppies that have that breed standard, potential buyers look for it, and anyone showing these breeds will require it.
He also stated there are veterinarians who refuse to do it.
On a similar note DH was not happy when his DD's mom had said DD's ears pierced. He had a client that wanted her shitsu (I really don't know how to spell it) to have a diamond stud in her ear. DH forwarned it would probably not stay in. It didn't
About dew claws. Little dogs don't need them. I learned about them with my first Great Pyrenees, Iris. She still had hers. And, I had never seen a dog with them. The dew claws can easily be torn and cause severe injury and pain. With Great Pyrenees, and other similar breeds, dew claws are not removed because they are required for stability of gait. For these dogs it would be like removing our big or little toe. We use both for balance.
I thought at one point certain breeds had tail docks done for practical reasons. I'm not sure if that's true but I think I'll do a little research.
Peace,
kokopelli
PS due your future DD'siL a favor and go for au natural heheheheh
