| Ask The Vet -
Q&A |
Question
I've got a 9 year old Dobermann and he's got a split claw
on one of his back feet. Will this cause any problems? He walks
and runs OK but it does bleed a little and he licks it to keep it
clean.
M. Jepson - Nottinghamshire, UK
|
Answering questions:
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS from
Vet
Help Direct |
| Answer |
Hi,
Split nails can be a real nuisance and unfortunately are quite common.
The main problems are the risk of infection and that they can be
quite painful. From what you say the nail doesn’t seem to
be painful but it is best to go to the vets. Depending on the size
and position of the split it may be better to remove the nail completely
to speed up healing. This is something that your vet will need to
judge.
Until
you can get an appointment at the vets it is important to keep the
area clean to prevent infection:
•
Cover the foot with a waterproof bag or boot when outside - this
must be taken off when indoors to allow the foot to ‘breathe’.
•
Prevent your dog from licking at the area - dogs have lots of bugs
in their mouths and commonly cause infections by licking at wounds.
You could cover the foot with a sock in the house or use an Elizabethan
collar to stop your dog licking at the area.
•
Bathe the area in dilute salty water twice daily - use COOLED water
that has been boiled with one teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Dry thoroughly.
These
can take a while to heal completely but with patience and the correct
treatment it should be fine.
Kind regards,
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS www.vethelpdirect.com |
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