Guest AxeYrCat Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 (edited) Our Galga, Giselle, broke the nail on one of her dew claws a few minutes ago. I don't know if it's one of those situations where I should cut it off where it's split and then styptic pencil it, or if it's one that will necessitate a visit to the vet's office tomorrow. : Also, if it's the latter, what should I do for her in the mean time? She doesn't appear to be in any pain, but I doubt that our other hounds will be at all mindful... Thoughts? This is Giselle: And this is her left dew claw: There are more images here. [Edited this post after trying to add a second, but since it required Moderator-preview, I went ahead and pasted it in here... Mods, please feel free to delete the reply that will be redundant after this edit, and my apologies for my failure to be patient...] Edited February 10, 2008 by AxeYrCat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AxeYrCat Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 This is Giselle: And this is her left dew claw: There are more images here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Been there, done that times 2. I slipped a piece of gauze betweent he dew claw and the leg, then padded the claw and bandaged. The first time, I had planned to take Jake in to get the claw removed as it was at a 45 degree angle. When I looked a day later the nail was in the bandage. No vet visit needed. The last time not so bad an injury, so I put polysporin on it and let it heal. 5 days later his foot swelled, he had in infection. So either way, keep a close eye on it. I would suggest doing what I did the first time and bandaging it (after soaking it) Check it daily, but it will probably heal up fine. Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AxeYrCat Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Thanks very much for the reply. I'll keep an eye on it for a bit and see what happens... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AmyN Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 We experience this on a regular basis. Each time, we have done nothing but clean it and keep an eye on it and let the dog work the nail out. It's probably so painful that they lick and lick and chew until the dew claw comes all the way off. Then, when it does, we keep an eye on it to ensure healing and no infection. Eventually, the dew claw grows back and we do it all over again. So far, no trips to the vet needed, but we'd go if we saw signs of infection. My husband is not generally a fan of covering minor wounds, maintaining the theory that air and/or oxygen is needed to help seal and heal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AxeYrCat Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 My husband is not generally a fan of covering minor wounds, maintaining the theory that air and/or oxygen is needed to help seal and heal. Thanks for your reply. Your husband and I are of the same mind on that one, though my wife often likes to bandage things, thinking that bandages offer protection. So far, Giselle seems to be fine. Bleeding stopped a while ago, without any styptics, so that's a big plus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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