Claw Diseases

Question 1

Define onychogryphosis

Answer 1

Deformed overgrowth of nails

Question 2

Define onychomadesis

Answer 2

Complete shedding of nails

Question 3

Define onychomycosis

Answer 3

Fungal nail infection

Question 4

Define onychorrhexis

Answer 4

A breakage or brittleness of a nail

Question 5

What are the different aetiologies of claw diseases?

Answer 5

Trauma
Neoplasia
Paronychia
Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy

Question 6

What is paronychia?

Answer 6

Inflammation of the nail fold which can be due to bacterial/fungal infection or an autoimmune disease

Question 7

What is symmetrial lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO)?

Answer 7

Characterised by sloughing claws and regrowth of brittle, cracked short claws usually involving multiple claws on multiple feet without skin disease elsewhere

Question 8

What is the histological appearance of SLO?

Answer 8

Interface dermatitis at the junction of clawbed and underlying dermis

Question 9

How is SLO confirmed?

Answer 9

Amputation of P3 unless dewclaws are affected and then they can be used
Clinical diagnosis followed by trial therapy of oxytetracyline/nicotinamide may be preferred