Ripped off toe nail

[circle c]

My good friends heeler completely ripped off one of his rear toe nails. Anyone have any suggestions on what to do for it? I've never had that happen to a dog, so I'm kind of dumb founded.

So far, he's been cleaning it and wrapping it in vet wrap. The dog won't put any weight on it, he runs three legged.

[Dax]

If the nail & nail bed are completely ripped out, I think a trip to the vet is necessary. If it was my dog, I would want the vet to clean out the wound and maybe even use the laser to properly seal the hole. Otherwise, every time the dog puts real strain or weight on it - it could open again.

It must be bothering the dog a lot if he refuses to walk on it.

[circle c]

It's not completely gone. There isn't a hole. His nails are black and the black is gone. It's now bright red and quite a bit shorter than the other nails.

[Dax]

I would use direct pressure and septic powder to stop the bleeding. It may start bleeding again on & off. Just repeat as needed. Remove the bandage as that might be what is making him limp.

[leolaura05]

I had a dog rip his toenail and I did exactly what DaxAriel's Toy said and it healed. I learned that the bandage on the paw is not nessary and is kind of a pain. I stopped using it after the 2nd day and it healed up fine.

[Savage Destiny]

Make sure your friend keeps the wound meticulously clean. My friend's dog did this same thing, and her vet said that if the wound got dirty and contracted an infection, the whole toe could have to be removed.

[Dobified]

Please get your friend to at least call the vet and ask what to do. The dog may need some anti biotics and possibly some pain killers to help him get through this.

In my opinion when a dog is in that MUCH pain not calling the vet is irresponsible at best. Please get your friend to call.

[circle c]

Honestly, I wouldn't call the vet either. Not unless there was a hole or something was SERIOUSLY wrong. Unessecary vet bills aren't my thing, BUT I won't get into that.

[Dobified]

Originally Posted by circle c

Honestly, I wouldn't call the vet either. Not unless there was a hole or something was SERIOUSLY wrong. Unessecary vet bills aren't my thing, BUT I won't get into that.

I disagree! A call costs NOTHING and what of the dogs get an infection that you could have prevented by a short call for advice on what to do. Remember one thing, none of here are vets so we are not always going to be able to come up with the " right " solutions. Not to call a vet can be irresponsible and cruel to the dog. JMO.

[circle c]

I guess I should have specified.....I wouldn't TAKE the dog in. I can see calling in for advice. Vets charge so much these days. I don't think anyone can afford to take a dog in every time there is a little problem.

Now, if it's something serious, then yes, I'll take the dog in.