Animals Affected

Dogs

Overview

Damaged toenails are very common, especially in active dogs.  Most nail injuries occur as a result of a nail catching or snagging on plant matter, carpet, or other material while the dog is running.

Damaged toenails are extremely painful at the moment of injury.  In many cases, pain will persist until the damaged portion of the nail is removed by a veterinarian.   However, the vast majority of dogs with injured nails make complete recoveries.

Symptoms

In many instances, owners witness the trauma.  Dogs may vocalize (yelp or cry) at the moment of injury.  However, many dogs do not exhibit any abnormal behaviors at the time of injury.  For these dogs, symptoms develop after the injury has occurred.  Dogs with injured or damaged nails may exhibit any of the following symptoms.

• Limping is very common in dogs with injured nails.
• Bleeding from the site of injury may occur.
• A visibly damaged or crooked nail may be noted on the affected foot.
• The affected foot may be sensitive.   Dogs may resent attempts to handle the foot.
• Dogs often lick the injured area.
• The affected toe may be swollen.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Any dog may injure a nail.  However, certain circumstances predispose dogs to nail trauma.

• Overgrown or long nails are more likely to snag.
• Dogs with metabolic or glandular conditions such as thyroid disease may suffer injured nails at high rates.
• Individuals with congenitally weak nails may suffer frequent torn or damaged nails throughout their lives.
• A tumor growing on a dog’s toe may result in a fragile, easily damaged nail.  This is rare.

Complications

Injured nails are painful.  Sites of injury are susceptible to infection.  Blood spots from bleeding nails may cause significant damage to furniture or carpet.

Most dogs make complete recoveries after injuring a nail.  However, in some cases damage to the nail tissue results in irregular growth of the nail in the future.  This generally is not a serious complication.  Nails that grow irregularly may require more frequent trimming than other nails.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon visual inspection of the affected area.  If the foot is especially painful, local anesthesia or tranquilization may be necessary.

Treatment

Because injured nails are painful and can become infected, a veterinarian should assess any dog with a nail injury.

The key element of treating injuries to toenails involves removing any damaged, unviable portion of nail that is present in the affected area.  Local anesthesia generally is employed to prevent pain during the procedure.  Mild bleeding from the affected area is common during the 24 hours following the procedure.

After removing the damaged portion of the nail, veterinarians may bandage the foot for a brief period.  Antibiotics (such as penicillins or cephalosporins), pain killers (such as NSAIDs), or antiseptic foot soaks may be prescribed.

Follow-up

Pain and swelling should begin to resolve within 48 hours of treatment.  Several weeks may pass before the nail starts to re-grow.  The foot should be monitored during this period.  Dogs that exhibit ongoing symptoms after treatment should be reassessed by a veterinarian.  Dogs whose nails do not re-grow normally may require regular trimming and indefinite monitoring of the site.

Copyright © Eric Barchas, DVM. All rights reserved.
The contents of this page are provided for general informational purposes only. Under no circumstances should this page be substituted for professional consultation with a veterinarian.