Why is my gerbil's swollen toe showing bone with a loose nail?

What a cute little hamster! That toe could be swollen from an infection, a small string partially wrapped deep around toe, a fracture, a mass growing there....it’s a lot of possibilities. I would say at this point if it has not resolved on its own, which it would do by now if it was just an injury, you need to see a vet to have it checked out. He may need antibiotic or anti inflammatory or even diagnostics such as X-rays or aspirate of the swelling.

Although a picture of these swollen areas would give me the chance to provide a specific comment, this presentation could be compatible with an infection of the nail bed. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This is usually and commonly the result either of a trauma of an infection. Unfortunately without more clinical informations is going to be hard to give you more specific advices. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Sounds like there has either been some sort of traumatic incident, or there is some type of inflammatory / infectious process affecting the nail bed. Blackness at the nail bed that you are describing could potentially be pooled blood, or a sign of dying tissue. Tissue could die as a result of a crushing injury or from one of the above mentioned processes. I would recommend having Bella examined by a veterinarian to assess the area and make an appropriate treatment plan. Hope this makes sense.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) may be needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for reaching out about Calypso and including a photo. Don't believe this is bumble foot as that usually affects weight bearing areas. More likely an inflamed joint (previous dislocation) or an infection. Does it seem painful? Can you flex the toe? Anti-inflammatories or antibiotics could help the situation. If really painful and effecting walking, an amputation of the digit might give the best prognosis. Good luck.

Poor Teddy! The swollen toe may be caused by a fracture, which is very painful. You should have Teddy seen by a vet for this condition, as he may need pain and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed. As for the cut, I recommend cleaning it with warm water and applying SSD (silver sulfadiazene) ointment to the area once per day to avoid infection. You may also want to consider a weight loss plan for Teddy if he is overweight. Excessive pressure on the feet can cause sores and infections. I hope this helps!