MATTED HAIR

This is my pegboard of collectibles...these solid masses of matted hair resemble pelts, don't they? These are samples I hold on to, either to demonstrate to the owner who insists his pet can be dematted just why it cannot, or to demonstrate how neglected coats can 'shrink' around the pet causing a multitude of problems.

It's also a good idea to keep samples of severely neglected coats in order to have evidence of the dog's condition in the event the owner yells "clipperburn" and demands reimbursement for a vet bill.

By the way, all of the coats pictured here were very clean prior to removal (we couldn't possibly keep the soiled ones). This further illustrates the fact that people actually bathe their dogs while in this condition causing the hair to shrink tighter. This can be very painful for the pet, as well as cut off circulation to its extremities.

See also:Clipping the neglected dog

OVERGROWN NAILS

The nails pictured here are actually 1-1/2 inches long. The set of 16 total was removed from a dog weighing less that 15 pounds. I estimate that a dog of this size would have ample nail length at 1/2 inch. That additional inch was affecting the dog's posture as well as making it very difficult for it to walk at all.

We once groomed a dog that was brought in wearing a coat like one of the above (but it was FILTHY) and its nails were overgrown and curled into the pads (some even piercing the pads). We noticed right away that the dog appeared to be crippled, and took it for granted that the owner knew. STUPID US!!! Turns out the owner took the dog to the vet and accused us of crippling the dog. The vet, however, knew better and dismissed the woman's claim. I still contend that the condition of the toenails was responsible for the dog's demise.

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© 1997-2005 Kat Lyvers