Approximately 12% of all canine claw and claw bed lesions are tumors (see Table 2).11 About 47% to 52% of malignant digital tumors occur in older dogs (mean age, 9 years) and 75% of cases involve large-breed dogs.1 The Labrador retriever, standard poodle, rottweiler, dachshund, and flat-coated retriever are overrepresented.1
Subungual squamous cell carcinoma that arises from the subungual epithelium almost always results in lysis of the third phalanx.11 One- and 2-year survival rates were 95% and 75%, respectively, for squamous cell carcinoma originating from the subungual epithelium and 60% and 40%, respectively, for tumors originating from other parts of the digit.11,12
Melanoma is more malignant in digits compared with other areas of the skin (metastatic rate of 38%58%).11 The Scottish terrier, standard and miniature schnauzer, Irish setter, golden retriever, and rottweiler are predisposed to melanoma.11,12 Prognosis is guarded (1-year survival rate of 42%—70%).12
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Regardless of species, claw neoplasia occurs more frequently in the forelimb than the hindlimb,12,13 and neoplasms of the claw bed are best diagnosed via excisional biopsy and histopathology.12,13
Treatment of claw and claw bed neoplasia is variable depending on tumor type, grade, stage, and patient characteristics, and discussion is beyond scope of this review.