Hello,
My 8 year old lab has come home from her walk today and started to limp.... on closer inspection it seems she has torn/split a nail on her back leg - it looks so very painful and obviously she is licking it constantly.  There was no 'accident' just the usual boisterous running around.  I can do the vets tomorrow but in the short term any ideas to alleviate her discomfort and stop the licking??

Thanks xx

This happened to my JRT earlier this year. The vet removed it, gave her a shot of antibiotics and recommended bathing it, twice a day for a week in warm salty water. I used a pudding bowl for her to stand the offending foot in for a few minutes. I think she found it soothing as she never made a fuss at all.

Ah, thank you, shall try the water thing this evening x

Teaspoon of salt to a cup of water I think it is for general wounds, and you could try taping a spare sock on to stop her licking it?

>Teaspoon of salt to a cup of water

No - it's a teaspoon of salt to a pint of water. :-)

We were told a teaspoon to a cup for general wounds, and a teaspoon to a pint for eyes.

Actually, in humans, saline or salty water is rarely used now. There's no evidence to suggest it's better than drinkable tap water :) I tend to use diluted hibiscrub for wounds if I have it. If not, plain ole tap water :)

Just thought I would tell you.... vets... sedation and then the offending nail was removed.  Last night, poor girl, looked like she had been to a rave or something! her eyes were on stalks, her legs were soooooo wobbly and she wouldn't even look at me (my fault obviously) This morning she was bouncing round like a puppy! and everything is fine, I am £70 lighter mind you but I don't need presents at Xmas so its all good.  They sealed it with silver nitrate so I don't think I should need the bathing in salt water bit unless she chews it and makes it bleed again.

All is good and thank you all again, as ever.

Sxx