My dog has broken a toenail a week ago. He seems much better, I have kept him inside and disinfected it every time he goes outside to use the...

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Customer

My dog has broken a toenail a week ago. He seems much better, I have kept him inside and disinfected it every time he goes outside to use the bathroom. It appears to be healing well, accept that the outer stronger part of the nail is still dalaminating. Is there anything that I can do to encourage his nail to grow back correctly?

Last updated
Lesley, RVT
Veterinarian

Hello! Fish oil and biotin supplements can promote healthy nail growth. I would give your vet a call to see if they have any they recommend since they know your pet and his medical history. On certain occasions, if there was damage to the actual nail bed, there is a chance that the nail may never grow back correctly. If that is the case, I would monitor that nail closely and keep it trimmed to reduce the risk of it splintering off. If you notice any oozing or odor from the nail, I would have him checked out by the vet. Hope this helps! 

Last updated
Customer

I am asking about what I can do to help his nail grow back properly- I understand that supplements will help, but that’s not what I was looking for. Should I bandage his foot? Would it help at all, or is his nail damaged forever? Should his nail be amputated?

Posted
Lesley, RVT
Veterinarian

Bandaging likely won't help his nail grow back properly. Usually we will bandage the nail the first day it happens just to protect it from getting infected more than anything, and have the bandage removed after about 48 hours. As I stated in my previous response, if there was damage to the nail bed itself, there's a chance it won't grow back properly (as in it may always look different from the other nails, grow in a different direction, or may always appear delaminated). If the nail has already broken off, but he seems to be doing ok otherwise, it's just going to take some time for it to heal and grow back. If you notice in another week or so it still appears to be splitting, he may need to have it removed fully (or cut back further than the delamination) if it is causing him pain, he continues to break it, or things are getting stuck in it (carpet, dirt, etc.). It is hard to tell at this point if his nail is damaged long term.

Posted
Customer

Thank you! So time will tell. He appears to be ok and it doesn’t bother him today, he just doesn’t want to stay inactive. It is looking much better, I appreciate the help. 

Posted

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