Bad nail break (warning - graphic picture attached)

[BG and Gavin]

Poor Gav broke a nail very badly last night and a great deal of the quick is exposed.  I had no idea anything was wrong except I caught him licking his paw.  No blood or anything. I am soaking it in Epson salts twice a day and kept a sock on it overnight to keep him from licking.  We also forwent our walk today in favour of a car ride.  Any other advice?  We have a vet appointment on Monday for preventatives, so it can be checked then.

pic 1 the nail

pic 2 more concerned about the sock than anything

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

OWWEE! Poor Gavin! I sure hope it heals fast! 

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Karen. He seems oblivious...just wants to play hallway ball.

[Kate, Mel, Tenley & Harper]

I would take him in sooner than Monday and get him on an antibiotic. That area is so dirty and exposed to so much (even through a sock) I wouldn't take any chances. I've had two run-ins with nails in my dogs.

Mel ripped his dew claw off (or most of it) when he was 1 year old. It looked very similar to your dog's nail because he had licked it. He had the dewclaw removed (very painful for a long time). He was on antiobitics for awhile as well. Even at 12 years old, it is still sensitive to the touch.

Tenley split his nail down to the base of the nail doing agility. At first they were hoping to save the nail, but even though it was wrapped up and he was on antibiotics he developed an infection. Had surgery to remove the entire nail (about a centimeter down into the toe). He was completely un-phased by the entire incident, but had to wear a bandage for 5 weeks. Which couldn't get wet, so it was very annoying.

The nail issues are also especially painful for them.

I wouldn't wait. I don't think I'd go to the extent of taking him to an emergency vet, but I would get him to the vet Saturday or Sunday if they're open to get it bandaged and get antibiotics. If you can't get in Saturday or Sunday, I'd probably go the emergency vet route.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for your reply Kate. Sounds like you have had more than your fair share of nail problems :( I hope Gavin's issue is less serious. I will keep a close eye and reevaluate tomorrow. If it has not improved I will not fool around with it.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Oh my gosh, that looks sooo painful! I'd be seeing a vet ASAP for something that raw looking.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for your reply Debb. The picture was taken right after I soaked the foot which I think adds to the angry look of it. If it does not improve by tomorrow we will go to the vet early. He has been leaving it alone more now which I take as a good sign. And he is all but begging me to play ball with him lol.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

It's kind of amazing how these guys just suck up the pain. Yesterday, on our walk, I stepped off a curb squarely onto Lucy's front left foot. She just looked at me while I gushed how sorry I was, asking if she was okay. Then she turned and walked, with neither a limp nor whimper. What are dogs' feet made out of, anyway? Rubber? Anyhow, I hope Gavin heals real fast!

[BG and Gavin]

They are stoic, that's for sure. I just put polysporin on it and he did not even flinch.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Ouch, ouch, ouch! Poor Gavin. In addition to the soaks I would use some Polysporin on it. The spray type works better, less greasy and doesn't wear off as fast. Best wishes for a quick healing, no pun intended.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sounds like a good idea.

[BG and Gavin]

Very punny Donna! It looks like is has shrunk back a tiny bit. I just soaked it, cleaned it, put some polysporin cream (all I have on hand) and put the sock back on for overnight.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

I haven't looked, but will just say Get Better Soon, Gavin! :-)