calling all dog experts- puppy with ripped toe nail

[Sugaree]

Hi there, my 6-month old pit pup snagged his toe nail somehow (?) a couple days ago- it has been healing nicely without a costly visit to the vet, we have been keeping it clean & dog is getting antibiotics (internal and on the toe itself) however this morning we noticed the nail is pointing straight up- we understand that the nail will have to re-fuse back down to the toe and tonight we will be trying the superglue/nu-skin approach.

Is there anything I should know/do when easing the nail back down & fusing it back? We are prepared to wrap it as well, though he is a "severe chewer" so we would have to get him a halo too- trying to avoid that scenario (as well as a vet bill we can't really afford, but will sell our own plasma to pay the vet if the dog really needs to go)

Any thoughts from dog experts?

[Emily]

I had a yorkie do this and I simply wrapped the foot - changing the dressing daily with cleaning the area and applying topicals to it.

The toenail needs to be protected for it to heal - otherwise it keeps getting pulled and knocked. Try to clip it down as short as you can (which I am sure you have already done)

I once had to have the vet surgically remove a nail and it grew back.

[Stropes]

Try to keep him as inactive as possible as well. I know, with a puppy that is going to be a CHORE! Our dog (around 2 at the time) broke his nail. We didn't realize it until we were playing fetch outside and noticed the blood trail! He still didn't cry or even act like there was a problem. I guess playing was a priority. :-D We kept him as still as possible and it healed nicely. Hope the healing goes smoothly for you.

[SheWoff]

Knowing how active pups are...just in case they jerk while you are working on it, give them a baby aspirin first to help with the pain. I know most wont even yelp, but that would hurt if it was you right? :-D Otherwise, it sounds like yall are doing a great job!

She

[Sugaree]

I sure do appreciate your replies! This is my first pit & I don't know if it's the breed or just his age but he is a total spaz and does not realize he has to take it easy- just as he makes progress he bangs it up again, just like you're saying Emily. I worry about him ripping the whole thing off & him bleeding to death!

I'm begining to think we should just try wrapping it and forget the superglue (?)

Thanks again from the bottom of my heart for your advice.

[Ronda]

I would give him a vicodin first, if it was me and I couldn't afford a vet visit. I know Vicodin is safe, because we gave it to our rotty after his last surgery.

I would do what others have suggested, keep it clean and wrapped, use the halo as well. I would say that if it isn't better within about a week, he must go to the vet. If you weren't giving him antibiotics, I'd say go NOW, because he could die from infection.

Best of luck :) Do you have pics of your baby? I love puppy pics :mrgreen:

[Ronda]

Also, if he is too hyper, you might try giving him SMALL amounts of valerian root (get it whole and grind it or else you'll get stuff that has had the active ingredient extracted in china) Fill one or two capsules with the ground up root, and give it to him when he is being spastic. I take it and it's totally safe :mrgreen:

[Sugaree]

I "borrowed" this photo from another dog owner who posted it on another board, our pup's nail looks exactly like this, sticking straight up. Fortunately it is not red or infected:

http://www.pets.ca/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10313&stc=1&d=1121093964

[Ronda]

Honey, I know money is tight, but ack, I might take that pup to the vet. Perhaps call and ask if they can do a sliding fee scale. That looks bad to me. I think they may need to remove it. :sad:

[Sugaree]

That looks bad to me. I think they may need to remove it. :sad:

This is my thought as well. I guess we will take another look at it tonight and make a judgement call. Fortunately we have a very good vet in the area.

Life would be so much easier if dogs didn't have toenails :)

[RENMAN358]

you can do this sugaree !!!!

+100 to all the comments so far !! I personally raise shepards. my older son breads pits. The pits seem to have more (BULL YOUR WAY THRU ) than the laid back breads. Ive known owners who wrap up the injury properly,then crate the pup to keepum settled down. Then lettum out every couple of hours to go do thier biziness. Check the injury 2X a day until obvious healing is underway.
It just common sense and a little knowledge.

[Sugaree]

Thanks!

I also called the vet & had a nice chat with a gal there, she gave me some real good info.

I'm signing off for the weekend, I'll give y'll an update Monday- again a BIG thanks to all your responses! TOL folks are simply the BEST!

[Sugaree]

I almost want to post this in the Chapel!

Got home Friday evening & the nail had totally fallen off. No distress to the toe or paw area, he is as good as new! I had been praying specifically for healing for that crazy pup's toe- I never even had to touch it!

GOD IS GOOD!!!

Thanks again brothers & sisters for your advice & support!

[Ronda]

I almost want to post this in the Chapel!

Got home Friday evening & the nail had totally fallen off. No distress to the toe or paw area, he is as good as new! I had been praying specifically for healing for that crazy pup's toe- I never even had to touch it!

GOD IS GOOD!!!

Thanks again brothers & sisters for your advice & support!

YAY! Woot Woot!

[Cjihopso]

I almost want to post this in the Chapel!

Got home Friday evening & the nail had totally fallen off. No distress to the toe or paw area, he is as good as new! I had been praying specifically for healing for that crazy pup's toe- I never even had to touch it!

GOD IS GOOD!!!

Thanks again brothers & sisters for your advice & support!

Yes, God is Good.

I'm so happy for you and your puppy. It should go OK from here. Keep a close eye on it.

Like others, I like pictures.....