Claws

Anatomy

The Stenza claw is a hard protein structure growing out of the end of the fingers and toes. The proteins are secreted by the outermost layer of cells in the quick, which degrade as Stenza get older. One of the signature results of this degradation is cracking and other structural weaknesses in the claws themselves, which can progress to the point of exposing the quick and causing persistent pain.

Care

Claws shed the absolute outermost layer of protein casing, and the process can be eased and expedited by working them against a rough surface, such as a rock, chunk of ice, or other feature of one's surroundings. Due to their persistent telepathic connection, a large number of pups may work their claws at once if one of them feels the need to do so, but as children get older the habit becomes much more individualized.
To combat the aforementioned degradation seen in older Stenza, doctors will apply a resin cap fashioned from a specialized form of medical gel which seals out contaminants, eases any pain, and preserves the structural integrity of the claw itself.