Help - toenail ripped off

[marianfl]

Mary needed a wash, after rolling in poo so I thought we'd try taking her in the shower. This was a bad idea, as she slipped over and has managed to rip a nail out of her back foot.

She doesn't seem too concerned and the bleeding has stopped, but do I need to do anything? Does it need a vet visit?

Any help gratefully received, thanks!

(I *won't* be trying this again )

[Cath]

It always looks worse than it is so don't worry too much.

I tend to pop a bandage on with germoline just to make sure it's clean overnight then leave it open to the air after that. If it starts looking angry or seems to be causing pain then I'd go to the vet. If in doubt get it checked.... but we have had lots of broken nails and only two needed a vet trip- the most recent looked as though he'd ripped the pad off but the vet just clipped it and put a bandage on. I felt a bit silly as I could have done that but there was a lot of blood so I wanted it looked at

Mine all like licking any owies so I pop one of OH's socks over any sore nails- and just tape/vet wrap the top above the knee

Try not to worry just keep an eye on it

[vickyb]

Like Cath says it should be ok. If it starts to bleed Lisa told me to dip it in cornflour. I'd probably bandage it/sock it (I always have cheap kids socks in for foot injuries) overnight in case it bleeds and probably on walks tomorrow to keep it clean and protect it but leave it open at home if its dry. Although I'd be careful walking her for a couple of days so it heals.

If it bothers her, smells or feels hot I'd go to the vets. Gracie ripped one off and actually broke the end of her toe off with it but I couldn't tell, the vet picked up on it and she needed ab's.

[julies]

I'm with the others ... only if it looks infected do they go to the vet ... warm saltwater is ok for washing it too

J xx

[dizzi]

Vet's just cleaned and left Nancy's that she did on The Great Escape... lft them open to the air to heal.