My dog has damaged her nail right up where it joins the toe. It has been bleeding a little and is obviously tender. It is not hanging off or anything. Does anyone know if this is something that will get better with rest?
The other problem is I gave her some metacam I had in the cupboard and then looked at the date and found it is about a year past its expiry date and then it occured to me maybe nursing mothers shouldn't have metacam?
I feel such a twit.
Does anyone know if out of data metacam will hurt her and should i keep her away from the pups for a bit. she wont mind as they are almost weaned now anyway.

Having a dog who eventually had to have a toe amputated because of a stubborn nailbed infection (symptoms were identical to those of your bitch) I'd want the vet to advise when she could have a course of antibiotics to treat it, rather than just masking it with painkillers and allowing infection to get a hold.

And no, the Metacam datasheet says that it should not be given to preganant or lactating animals, whether in date or not.

Right trip to the vet ASAP. Thanks.

And I should have said I know it is an injury rather than an infection because she did it jumping into the large puppy pen when my back was turned to get their food. I knew she had been in there because the bloody footprints were too big to have been the puppies.

Bacteria need an injury to get in and cause an infection. That's why it needs treatment as soon as is possible, bearing in mind she's nursing a litter.

I see Thanks. She is booked in at the vets this morning.

back from vets with antibiotics and more metacam. Vet said it is Ok to use when nursing. said the out of date metacam may not work so well but should't hurt mum or pups so thats a releif. I will not make that mistake again

Cor, thats a relief!

Nellie broke several claws off below the quick when she was a puppy - accident prone little thing, she was.  She always had antibiotics and metacam.

Bear in mind the Metacam can upset the stomach a little and cause vomiting - Nellie had to come off metacam and have antacid medication for a few days, they have to give her steroids for pain!  She is such a nightmare.

Just give it to her with food, that should minimise any acidity.  Glad you got it all sorted and no harm done!

S xx

The info on the side of the metacam box says SPECIAL WARNING: Do NOT use on pregnant and lactating animals. Im suprised your vet has given this. I hope it doesn thave any adverse effects. Hope the toe heels up quickly

The whole nail has now come off so I am hoping that she will be a bit more comfortable. She has been really unhappy all day and has not wanted to feed her babies. Luckily they are eating some solid food and I have been giving them whelpi too.
Although the vet said it will be ok, I wont give  her any more metacam just to be on the safeside.
Does anyone know will her nail grow back or will she be without a nail now?

It will probably grow back, but might well be weaker than normal, and more prone to being damaged again. Be scrupulous about giving the antibiotics, and check it daily to make sure it doesn't look swollen, inflamed or oozy.

thanks will do.