What does having an extra thumb mean?
Polydactyly is a condition in which a baby is born with one or more extra fingers. It is a common condition that often runs in families. The extra fingers are usually small and abnormally developed. Polydactyly is one of the most common congenital (present at birth) hand abnormalities.
How do I get rid of my baby’s extra finger?
Treatment. Polydactyly is usually treated in early childhood with the removal of the extra finger or toe. If the extra digit is not attached by any bones, a vascular clip may be used to remove it. The vascular clip attaches to the extra digit and cuts off blood flow to it.
What causes a child to be born with an extra finger?
What Is the Cause of Polydactyly? Polydactyly develops when a baby is developing in the womb. Hands and feet begin as flat, paddle-like extremities until the fingers and toes start to separate, which usually happens around week 6 of pregnancy.
Why are some people born with an extra thumb?
There are several types of polydactyly. Most often the extra digit grows next to the fifth finger or toe. Polydactyly tends to run in families. It may also result from genetic mutations or environmental causes.
Does polydactyly cause harm?
Polydactyly Is Caused by a Genetic Mutation The front paws are most often affected by polydactyly, but it can also occur on the hind paws; it’s extremely rare for a cat to have polydactyly on all four paws. For the most part, polydactyly is harmless to a cat’s health and wellness.
Should extra fingers be removed?
It is best to have the extra toes or fingers surgically removed. If the extra digit is on the hand, the surgery is usually done before a child enters school since he or she will be using the hands more in school.
Is polydactyly from inbreeding?
As polydactyly is usually caused by a random mutation, only one of the parents would be affected and so inbreeding does not increase the likelihood of a child developing polydactyly. If both parents were polydactyls, then the likelihood of the child being affected is 75% but this is not increased by inbreeding.
Is polydactyly caused by inbreeding?
Is polydactyly inherited?
Polydactyly may be passed down in families. This trait involves only one gene that can cause several variations. African Americans, more than other ethnic groups, can inherit a 6th finger. In most cases, this is not caused by a genetic disease.
What is the lifespan of polydactyly?
The Polydactyl is also described as affectionate, patient with children, relaxed and well-suited to indoor or outdoor living. On average, a healthy Polydactyl will weigh somewhere in the region of 10-20 pounds, with a life expectancy of up to 15 years.
Is polydactyly hereditary?
Is polydactyly more common in males or females?
Polydactyly is twice as common among men. It occurs in 1 in 1,000 births in the general population. It’s found more frequently in the African American population, occurring in 1 in 150 births.