Xena's got a very split rear toenail, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It's not bothering her at all, and she doesn't yelp when I touch it. Can she just grow it out? Does a vet need to remove it?
Maisy had this the other day but not as thick. It was her dew claw and she was pulling at it, I thought she might rip it off herself so I cut the thinnest piece off and filed the remaining bit so it would not catch on anything. This looks a bit worse as the claw is thicker, I would get the vet to cut it back if possible just so she doesn't snag it on anything. Good luck.
Yes, the only reason I noticed it was split was because it had grass and fluff stuck in it! It's a massive split, I couldn't believe it. I didn't think of her ripping it off (duh, so obvious) so I'll try to get her booked in this weekend. It doesn't seem to be hurting her so that's a start.
Do you think you could put some tape on it? Even some masking tape might hold it together well enough
If I can't get her booked in over the weekend I'll see about some tape (that will be interesting), but I'm not worried about her ripping it off overnight. I don't know enough about dog nails, but it must be ripped to the quick
The quick dries out pretty rapidly once exposed. If it's been like this for a couple of days, it's probably already died back, with the nail protecting it from any damage. How is she with you clipping her nails? I'd be tempted to cut it back incrementally so I could have a look at how it is inside.
You could also use a Pawz rubber dog boot on walks to stop it getting ripped off when running around.
We meet a very friendly and energetic pit bull-x on our walks, races at full speed up and down. She tore a front toe nail so they put a “boxing glove” bandage over the foot - basically wrapped vet wrap around and around it to keep it protected. I don’t know if this is the accepted treatment, but the dog was very happy!
You've got to be very careful about covering this type of injury because of the infection risk. I would see if the inner part of the nail looks dry and is receeding back and if the shell looked ok clip a little off, but normally I check with a vet and see if it's a trauma injury or something else. I don't usually cover because the air will dry and you can keep a look out for infection in the nail bed. Is she licking excessively? That can be an indication of infection. You can use dilute hibiscrub or dilute salt water to help keep infection at bay. I would keep her foot as dry as possible and avoid muddy areas and also use the Pawz foot covers when out and about. I've seen a lot if this type of injury with Doug's illness so I found keeping hibiscrub a good idea.
I'd go straight to the vet with that. It will need trimming right back, as the danger is that it might catch and then rip even further right into the nail bed, causing infection.
Is it possible to go to a dog trimsalon? Finn once ripped his toenail which was bleeding heavily. I went to see a trimmer who took care of it much to our satisfaction of Finn and I
Benson has horrid nails, they grow twisted and grow quickly. He did rip one nail so badly it was removed at the vets, he had a dressing on it for about a week, a real pain to keep it on and clean! I try and clip tiny bits of each day now. Recently with a split nail, I managed to catch it early and just keep trimming the dead bits away.
Does Benson's have SLO or a vitamin deficiency? I know you use salmon oil but have you tried him on biotin?
She hasn't been licking at it and the quick appears to be dry? So I guess these are good signs. The vet is booked all weekend but a vet nurse will take a look tomorrow (Sunday) and we'll go from there. I don't have clippers or boots or any of the things mentioned, but I'm confident I can prevent her from snagging it until then. She has lovely wee nails, I've never had to get them trimmed, but I might have to start after this Thanks for all your advice and experiences, I'll let you know how we get on.
Ooo poor Xena but glad she's not too bothered by it. Charlie has awful nails, some are hollow, they split. I do my best keeping them clipped but I have lost my nerve after I nicked the quick, he whimpered, I cried my eyes out whilst he licked my face Get a grip Helen x
Ok, not what I expected. The nurse took a look at it and said "it looks like it needs to be pulled" My reaction I had visions of blood and bandages and booties but the nurse assured me it was usually very simple. So she took Xena (and my pouch of roast beef) out the back to wait for the vet. 2 minutes later out they come. The vet says "all done, it was so easy, she didn't even react". My reaction And then she said there was no charge. RESULT! From now on I'll be keeping a close eye on her nails, but this story has had a very happy ending. If only all health issues could be so easily resolved!
Nails make me nervous still I had my fill of them with Doug. I just look at them and feel sad. It looks good should be ok now xx
I'm confused - they just pulled the broken bit? Not the whole nail? That would be good - Poppy had to have a whole nail pulled out once, and it was no fun at all.
