Nail issue -- should I worry?

    • Gold Top Dog

    Nail issue -- should I worry?

    Last night when I was clipping Ace's nails, I noticed that one of his nails has something going on with it.  It looks like the center portion of the nail, with the quick in it, is solid, but the rest of the nail is all splintered around it -- very flimsy and kind of coming apart, but still firmly attached at the top.  There hasn't been any blood or anything, and he doesn't seem in any pain -- he is running and playing at full speed, and he lay still and let me look at the nail and touch all around it with only his usual level of nail-cutting squirminess.  The rest of his nails are normal.  I just trimmed the end of the nail like I do with the others, and it didn't bother him or anything. 
     
    Is this something I should be concerned about or will it sort itself out?  Does he need a vet to look at it?  Is there something I can do to help it grow out correctly?  Thanks.   
    • Gold Top Dog
    I'm not sure what it could be...I would probably take him to the vet, just to be safe.
    • Gold Top Dog
    any chance of a pic? Having a hard time visualizing it...
    • Gold Top Dog
    A pic would be great but it almost sounds like he just injured it runnung/playing/possibly chewing.  One of my fosters has an easily split nail on her dew claw that I just trim when it gets that way - kind of like people who can have brittle or easily split nails.  I also had my dog tear up the end of one of his 'bottoming' out on a cement floor when he was taking a corner too fast.  Personally i would just keep on eye on it and if any swelling or redness should develop in the area then take him to the vet.