Nail injury

[Kimuraa]

Hi everyone!

I woke up today to find Kiba has injured his nail in the middle of the night. We're closing it twice a day and he's resting a lot. I know it will heal and he'll eventually be fine, but the nerve is very exposed and I'm wondering if I should try to remove the broken bit so it doesn't continue to press on the nerve.



I appreciate any advice anyone can offer for my little guy.

[Kimuraa]

Zoomed in picture to make the exposed bit easier to see. Also I'm not sure if it matters, but he's 6 years old.

[Charley Chuckles]

Sorry I'm not sure about procedure. I know with a dog it suggest to clip the broken nail . However with your guy I can see the nerve. I'm sure someone here will be able to help you.

[Chirps]

Is the red tissue sticking out part of the claw/digit that is right there? If it's sticking out from the bottom of what looks like a perfect claw, I can't see what you can cut without risking cutting to the quick. The claw is only light at the very tip then gets so dark it looks hard to see where the blood line would be.

Or are you asking about cutting off the red tissue? I wouldn't in case you cut something best left to heal/grow back. From reading other threads it would seem a major issue to watch for is excessive grooming and chewing at the site if the nerve is involved.

Hopefully someone who has experienced this issue will see your post and help you. Keep checking back, and good luck!

[Kimuraa]

Is the red tissue sticking out part of the claw/digit that is right there? If it's sticking out from the bottom of what looks like a perfect claw, I can't see what you can cut without risking cutting to the quick. The claw is only light at the very tip then gets so dark it looks hard to see where the blood line would be.

Or are you asking about cutting off the red tissue? I wouldn't in case you cut something best left to heal/grow back. From reading other threads it would seem a major issue to watch for is excessive grooming and chewing at the site if the nerve is involved.

Hopefully someone who has experienced this issue will see your post and help you. Keep checking back, and good luck!

Thanks for your reply! I meant the claw. Its difficult to see, but it's very cracked and quite loose. I know if I cut it off I'll get the quick. But I'm concerned if I don't it will just rub into the nerve and cause infection. I have that powder that groomers use if they get the quick. I'm thinking it might be the lesser of two evils?

Hoping for someone who has seen this kind of thing before. My poor boy slept most of the day yesterday. Today he got up and ate his breakfast then went back to sleep. I hate that he's in pain

Anyway, thank you again for your response!

[Mel1959]

You can give him some infant ibuprofen or metacam for pain. You would need to post his weight and the strength of the medicine for someone to dose it for you.

[Kimuraa]

I'm in Southern Ontario, I can't get access to a vet. I've been thinking about children's ibuprofen, but I'm concerned he won't care for it properly if I give him painkillers.

Thank you for the advice!

[stepnstone]

If possible the nail should be trimmed above the break to completely remove the damaged portion and provide a foundation for the nail to re-grow if it can.
Without the keratin part of the nail to protect the quick the nerves are exposed and can be very painful even to the largest of animals.
Ibuprofen or Metacam as suggested not only will help with his pain to improve his comfort level, it can reduce swelling and inflammation.
Controlling pain not only improves an animals comfort level when dealing with an injury, controlling pain promotes healing.
Since the nail bed or quick is attached to bone, prevention of infection is crucial, apply an antibiotic ointment or powder to the exposed nail bed,
Administer an antibiotic if infection becomes present.

[Kimuraa]

If possible the nail should be trimmed above the break to completely remove the damaged portion and provide a foundation for the nail to re-grow if it can.
Without the keratin part of the nail to protect the quick the nerves are exposed and can be very painful even to the largest of animals.
Ibuprofen or Metacam as suggested not only will help with his pain to improve his comfort level, it can reduce swelling and inflammation.
Controlling pain not only improves an animals comfort level when dealing with an injury, controlling pain promotes healing.
Since the nail bed or quick is attached to bone, prevention of infection is crucial, apply an antibiotic ointment or powder to the exposed nail bed,
Administer an antibiotic if infection becomes present.

Thank you so much, this is immensely helpful.

He's 751 grams if someone could help me with children's ibuprofen dosage and how to administrator.

How can I get antibiotics for him if I can't take him to the vet? Any over the counter pet store something I can buy?

[Kimuraa]

I might be able to get some metacam if someone could help with the dose of that too?

I have stypic powder, if that gets in the red exposed bit, is that okay? Will it hinder his healing?

[Kimuraa]

Would this work?

https://allbirdproducts.com/products/baytril-10

[stepnstone]

stypic powder is used to stop bleeding, personally unless the area is bleeding
I would just use a light coat of an antibiotic ointment.

I will send dosing info for the Ib in a private message.
TSB avoids dosing on open board due to misuse of information and security reasons.

Yes, the baytril linked can be used.

[Kimuraa]

I can't even tell you how thankful I am for your help. You're amazing.