Hi
I've just noticed my dog has a badly broken front claw, it's half hanging off, leaving a bit behind and the actual claw left behind is bleeding. She's having a nibble so could sort it out herself, or alternatively she could make it sore. Is this a vet's job, or should I leave it to nature?
Any help would be really appreciated
Thanks
Dianne

I have found that the best thing to do is to make up a bowl of warm salt water (cooled boiled water) and dip the foot in it - do this several times a day, particularly after a walk if it gets dirty. As long as the broken claw comes off it should be OK - but keep an eye on it.

Daisy

I'd say a vet's job. My lab used to do this with her dewclaws, and the vet showed me how to whisk the dangling bit off (get a grip and tug ), but I was always too squeamish.

Thanks to both you and Daisy for replying so quickly. I have decided to take her to the vets on this occasion because even though she is a tough dog, she is holding her paw up and looking so sad. Many times before she's hurt herself and not reacted at all - it must hurt. I want to talk to the vet about a couple of other things too so this will be a good opportunity. Jess and I go on endless walks, but most of the time on grass, ie through woods and playing fields, so her claws don't get worn down, so I think it will help if the vet cuts them down a bit
Thanks for the advise
Dianne

Diane

My dog has broken a claw ... just above the curved part ...there was a little blood so I bathed it in an antiseptic wash on Saturday ...
I decided not to take her for usual long walk on Sunday and it seemed to be healing ok ... although she limped occasionnally

Then Monday evening a short walk in the woods and she was off at full speed after a rabbit (I think) ...

she forgot that she had a broken claw, and of course came back with it torn and bleeding again ...

It doesn't seeem to affect her excpet when walking on rough ground (not nibbling or worrying at it as your own dog was)

My question ... what did the vet say when you took yours to see him last month ?

I have a feeling that it's probably necessary that I should do the same, since she is an active dog and I'm afraid the nail just won't heel unless she stays indoors

So I've got the same question as you did ... is it a vet's job or will nature take it's course ?

Thanks for your help

Hi David
Well I took her to the vet because it was half hanging off and I didn't want to tug it. I found out whilst there that she has an inate fear of vets and had to be sedated. What should have cost £6 ended up being £56!! Bless her. The big softie looked an absolute aggressive beast in there - felt quite sorry for the vet. Anyway, the advice from the vet was that if blood shows they need to take antibiotics - so she had a course (about £10) and there have been no further problems whatsoever. I walked her home from the vets straight after and there was no blood - but the vet did say if it did bleed to put a bit of chalk on it - like a styptic stick you use when you cut yourself shaving. Personally I would take yours to the vets because it would be such a shame to keep your dog in in all this nice weather that's due
Hope this helps
D