Gabe1
Ivory Tower Squabble EST 2011. WINDMILL SURVIVOR
Dew claws are generally removed when the breeders take them to the vet for their very first check up and First vaccinations. They slide out at that point as not firmly rooted. Crudely explained to me as a before or later circumcise a new pborn or wait till they are mid fifties Kinda now or never kinda choice.Yikes. That doesn't look good, but you said you didn't even notice at first? (Thank goodness for DWifey coming to the rescue.)
Has the dew claw been much of an inconvenience for Ranger Danger? Our previous dog had one, and I "think" it was removed, because she kept getting it caught on things and it would bleed. It was a long time ago, but I vaguely recall the vet may have removed it. (Maybe it just depends on the dog.)
The problem is that most unwanted litters are deposited at shelters prior to first vet visits and vaccines. The dew claws are usually ignored. Whatever purpose they might have served before Pups were domesticated is gone. All of my Pups a Springer, Shepard, 2 Goldens and Walter the yellow lab had all had their dew claws removed prior to me purchasing them.