Common Nail Injuries in Cats and Dogs — and How We Treat Them at EVS Pet Urgent Care

When I opened EVS Pet Urgent Care, I never imagined just how often I’d see pets coming in with nail injuries. At first glance, it seems like an innocuous issue, but when you consider the anatomy of pet nails and how active our furry friends are, it all starts to make sense!

Nail injuries are not only painful but can also lead to more severe complications if not treated properly. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most common nail injuries in cats and dogs, why they happen, and how we treat them at our clinic.

Common Nail Injuries in Dogs vs. Cats

A dog's broken nail

For dogs, the most common nail injuries we see are cracked, fractured, or even ripped-off nails. This can happen during play, from running on rough surfaces, or simply from nails being too long and catching on something. In contrast, for cats, the most frequent issue is nails growing into their paw pads — often a result of infrequent trimming or a lack of proper scratching surfaces.

Why Nail Injuries Hurt So Much

The pain and bleeding that accompany nail injuries are due to the anatomy of the nail itself. Both cats’ and dogs’ nails grow from the last bone of the digit (known as P3). The nails are also rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, which is why even a minor injury can cause significant pain and bleeding.

How We Treat Nail Injuries in Dogs

When a dog comes in with a fractured or torn nail, our first priority is to relieve their pain. We usually start with an injection of an opioid and/or NSAID to provide immediate relief. After that, we perform a full examination of the paw to check for any swelling or fractures in the bones of the toe.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how we handle these injuries:

1. Cleaning the Wound:

   We soak the paw in a dilute chlorhexidine solution to clean away any blood or dirt. This not only disinfects the area but also helps us get a clear look at the injury.

2. Numbing the Area:

   Before removing the fractured part of the nail, we apply a topical anesthetic. If you’ve ever had a broken or hanging nail yourself, you know how painful it can be — the same goes for our pets! Removing the damaged part may hurt initially, but it brings almost instant relief once it’s gone.

3. Stopping the Bleeding:

   After the nail is removed, stopping the bleeding is crucial. We use silver nitrate sticks or a styptic powder like Quick Stop to seal the wound.

4. Bandaging:

   We apply a soft bandage to provide support, protect the wound, and absorb any additional bleeding.

5. Medications and Aftercare:

   Because the nail has been removed, there’s a risk of infection. We prescribe oral antibiotics to prevent this, along with NSAIDs for pain management.

Treating Ingrown Nails in Cats

For cats, the most common nail issue is when nails grow into the paw pads — a painful condition often caused by a lack of regular nail trimming or insufficient scratching surfaces.

Our approach to treating this issue includes:

1. Pain Management:

   Similar to dogs, we start with pain relief using injectable medications.

2. Trimming and Cleaning:

   We carefully trim back the ingrown nail and soak the paw in a dilute chlorhexidine solution to clean the wound.

3. Medications and Litter Tips:

   Cats go home with antibiotics and pain medication to prevent infection and manage pain. We also recommend using non-clumping litter, like Yesterday’s News, to keep litter from getting into the wounds.

The Importance of Regular Nail Maintenance

As you can see, regular nail trimming is essential for preventing these painful injuries. For dogs, keeping nails at a reasonable length helps prevent cracking or tearing.

For cats, it prevents nails from curling into the pads. Ensuring your cat has appropriate scratching posts can also help keep nails in check naturally.

If your pet has an injured nail please seek veterinary help immediately to relieve their pain and to preventing further complications from occurring.