Hi guys,

Just thought i would ask incase anyone knew what was wrong with my pug.

On his front right paw his 3rd nail (2nd to the right) has a wee chip in it, but over the past week i noticed a small scab just on the nail bed. Yesterday on his walk he didnt seem right al ot slower than usual (he usually tanks about) and he was just slightly lame on it. I picked him up and noticed there was a tiny amount of blood coming from it. I got him home and washed it with salt water and today its not bleeding its just a tiny wee scab.

Does anyone know what this could be? He has a appointment tomorrow morning at the vets just incase its something that could be nipped in the bud and not get worse!

If he's ripped it while boisterously playing, it may well be removed by the vet.  Pup will feel more comfortable if there is no nail. Imagine if the damage is way up in the nail bed.  When he pounces, and his nail hits the ground, the pain will travel up to the nerve endings. 

I'm not saying that this is the case - but it well could be.  And taking away the pain will make him happier - and it grows back no problem

omg that sounds awful! Would he have to go and have surgery for that, if so do you know the costs?!?

He doesnt really play with many dogs, not roughly anyway, its jsut recently ive notice this wee round scab just at the nail bed at the top of his nail.

Would this affect showing him? A 3 clawed dog?!

> omg that sounds awful! Would he have to go and have surgery for that, if so do you know the costs?!?

If you have a good vet (like mine) he will give you the option... GA or hold tight and pull with pliers.. I opted for the pliers.. it was instantanious, and caused less pain than the injury itself, was bandaged for a couple of days to keep dirt from getting into wound, and within a few months a new nail had grown back (sometimes they dont)

Thats just made my toes curl, i dont think i would be able to deal with that option!

You see, i dunno how hes injured it, as im always with him and hes in his crate when we are out and surely i would have noticed his suddenly limping? Its just since this little scab has come.

Im sure i will find out tomorrow

Thanks for your replies.

> I opted for the pliers.. it was instantanious,

Which may be just fine for a one off.  But it's not something you could do on a regular basis (in all conscience!)

One of my Bearded Collie girls has a defect in the nail bed, and her nails regularly split lengthways right up into the nail bed.  I will no longer let any vet remove them without heavy sedation, or she would become a nervous wreck.  In all fairness, they do yelp like hell when pulled out without pain relief. 

And, having lost around 18 nails this way, I won't put my girl through it without some help.

> If you have a good vet (like mine) he will give you the option

Some vets need telling that you find the quick option unacceptable.

> Some vets need telling that you find the quick option unacceptable

The quick option was more acceptable to me, than a GA. and I was given the option, .. My girl didnt even flinch and never uttered a sound.. but she screamed blue murder when she injured it.. (caught between flagstones)  #

>And, having lost around 18 nails this way, I won't put my girl through it without some help.

Understandable, under those circumstances, I wouldn't either,

the damage my girl had done was easily pulled, I could have done it myself, but I didnt quite know just what extent her injury was, hence a trip to the vet.. and a quick tug :-)