My cat's nail split. Will trimming it make the problem worse?

Hello, thank you for your question about Kimi. Other than allowing the nail to grow/fall off on its own the only other option would be to cut the nail short below the split. Having the split portion of the nail removed will prevent it from getting caught and causing pain or problems in the future. However, cutting the nail below the split will likely mean encountering the blood vessel present in the nasal and mean that Kimi may have to wear a bandage on his foot for a little bit. If you would like to have the split nail cut I would recommend bringing Kimi to your veterinarian so that they can cut it, stop the bleeding, and place a bandage on his foot. Alternatively, you could continue monitoring the nail for catching on the ground or any discomfort. Hope this helps, good luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Khufu. You've done the right thing by cleaning his nail, and if it isn't bothering, keep an eye on him for now. If you see him licking it a lot, limping, or signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, pus), have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

The nail will eventually regrow with time. At this stage it is essential to remove/cut the nail (a picture of it would be essential to give you more specific advices about how to to do it) and keep the area underneath (nail bed) disinfected (you can use an hibiscrub solution).

If it's not bleeding it may not have injured the quick but I can't tell from the photo. The broken part of the nail needs to be removed and of the break is behind the quick, Loki needs to be sedated and clip behind the break (which is painful so they get sedated). Since you are unable to tell how severe the break is, I recommend to have Loki examined first thing tomorrow morning. Here is a helpful link: https://www.petcoach.co/article/bleeding-torn-toe-nails-in-dogs-puppies/ Tonight have Loki wear an elizabethan collar so he does not lick at it. Restrict the activity today and do not allow him to climb up and down on the couch. He should only be outside on a leash. Tomorrow the vet will access how significant the break is and will remove the broken part of the nail. I hope this helps.

Since it is not actively bleeding you can trim the nail yourself. It doesn't look that bad but you need to cut off the top part that is "hanging" or it will catch on things and could potentially cause more damage and pain to her. When you trim it, it may bleed so if you are not prepared for that at home then you should have your vet do it. A groomer may not be comfortable doing this but you can ask them. I don't think it will need much after care especially if it does not bleed. This article may help you more. If you have more questions feel free to ask again. Best wishes. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-broken-nails-in-dogs )

Sorry this happened to Thor! Honestly, the vet would pull off that top piece of nail (the white part) with a hemostat instrument. This is very painful and the nail may bleed a lot after that. So, if that part of the nail is very loose you may be able to pull it off - be aware that he may try to bite. It is very painful.... If it bleeds you can put some corn starch or flour on it and then bandage it. You can look at some YouTube videos on how to properly bandage the foot. Keep it bandaged for few days. If he is trying to eat the bandage or lick the nail you will need to get an E-collar (cone) to put on him until it's healed. It won't heal if he keeps licking it. Of course if he is limping, not eating, the nail won't stop bleeding, etc you will need to get Thor to the vet sooner. Hope this helps.

It may be split deeply and hurt a bit or otherwise bother your dog. This is why Walt is licking it There also may be a nailbed infection. I suggest you take Walt to your veterinarian for an exam. Your vet can check the nail for a fracture, infection or injury and help so that it does not bother your dog so much or hurt. It may need to be clipped or removed to aid healing. If you have an e-collar at home, put it on Walt so he cannot lick more bacteria into it. Please schedule an exam with your vet.