Corrective Trimming of Corkscrew Claw

Abstract

Corkscrew claw is a hereditary condition affecting both front and hind claws, mostly outer hind claws, and result from a malalignment and twisting of the middle phalanx. The proximal and distal surfaces of the middle phalanx can be out of alignment by as much as 11 °. The distal phalanx is abnormally narrow and long. This malalignment causes increased pressure on the coronary corium of the abaxial wall resulting in accelerated horn growth with lateral to medial deviation of the lateral wall, which then curls under the sole replacing some of the normal weight bearing surface.