Thick nails I cannot trim, any ideas?

[Skillet the Skillsaw]

I have always trimmed Skillet's nail tips every once in a while. He is 11 yrs old now. Suddenly, his nails are very thick and sloth like. They are way too long and he cannot hang on to anything. Is this a possible fungus? (I've heard of a human nail fungus that causes thick nails) There's no way I can trim them at all, it's like there is blood flow throughout, they are very thick. It's like his body used a burst of calcium and they just grew and grew. I've tried to file them, but this is getting me nowhere. Any suggestions? I want his little needle claws back! Pics coming soon.....(sorry I've frequented this site for years but never posted before, bare with me)

[redwuff]

Hi Skillet, thanks so much for creating your own thread. We always love meeting distinguished elderly gentleman. Can you post a picture of his nails and of course, Skillet?

[Skillet the Skillsaw]

Here are some photos, thank you! Skillet boy's profile pic coming up in the morning after my very early doctor's appointment! He needs a handsome one and he's not in the mood right now haha.

[Skillet the Skillsaw]

One more thing, his "thumb" digit has always been a little pink nub, for 11 years. Now suddenly it looks like a black claw! It is soft, not sure why it developed into a claw shape after all these years. He has always held his pecans on his nubs while he ate. This happened at the same time as this other "thick claws" issue, like a calcium spurt. I'm confused about it as well...

[MyBushyTail]

One of my squirrels had really really thick nails and I cut them with a small/thin sharp bladed pair of cuticle clippers. He also had the thumb nail, as he got older, and his would curl into his thumb. I clipped those also. I never clipped below/past the white part of the tips of his nails.

[redwuff]

Wow, he definitely needs those nails cut. Can you cut any of it? Does he have a pain response if you cut close enough for it to bleed?

What makes Skillet unique is his age. Eleven is a great age for your little man to get to. I am unsure about Skillets nails but will keep checking. They look dangerous to him that he might get one caught and hurt himself.

We would love to hear Skillet’s story if you get a chance. Also a big challenge to help squirrels reach this age is having them on a healthy diet. Would you share what you fed him over the years? And of course pictures. We can never get enough....

[Mel1959]

There are very sharp cuticle scissors that folks use to trim squirrels teeth when necessary. The ones I have are made by Sally Hansen. I think they cost around $20. I’m sure these would cut his toenails, but I’d take only the smallest amount off of the end of one to see if there is actually blood running to the tip. Have a styptic pencil ready if needed.

[stepnstone]

There's no way I can trim them at all, it's like there is blood flow throughout, they are very thick.

Personally my opinion if OP couldn't trim them before they got to this they won't be able to
trim them now. This squirrel needs professional help with a qualified veterinarian!