Onychobiopsy without onychectomy: description of a new biopsy technique for canine claws.

Biopsies of the claw and microscopic examination of the claw matrix epithelium are usually necessary to achieve a specific diagnosis for most onychopathies in the dog. When claw biopsy specimens are required, distal onychectomy has been the method advocated. Distal onychectomy often meets with owner reluctance, necessitates a prolonged surgical procedure and results in postoperative pain and discomfort for the animal. The technique described herein yields appropriate samples of the claw epithelium. This procedure is rapid, elementary and avoids unnecessary amputation of the distal digits.