Split nail - Page 1

I've been having a problem with just one of Drake's nails. I clip regularly and for the past couple of months, he's been pulling away when I attempt to clip the dew claw on his right front. The very first time it happened, he actually yelped and I thought I was too close to the vein. I checked for any sign of tearing near the bed, tearing away from the leg, nail damage, etc. and found nothing. I'd try to just tip it and he'd still pull away, totally out of character and no way I was too close.

Well, yesterday I groomed him and saved that nail for last and he allowed me to tip it. Just when I put pressure on it, a vertical split appeared! He still allowed me to clip it but at least I know now what the problem is. The split is in a ridge and runs up the nail all the way to the bed. It's not something I could have seen or known about without looking closely while putting pressure on the clipper. I happened to be looking from the right angel, at the right time... mystery solved! It doesn't appear to have snagged and torn and I can't figure out why it would split like that. I'm almost wondering if it's a defect in the nail itself.  I think the next time, I'll try to hold the nail together with one hand while clipping with the other.  Has anyone else had this happen? If so, how long did it take to repair itself?

I've had this happen, and yes as YR suggests it does come from getting hung up on something while jumping or just catching it on something sharp while running around.  

If the nail is sufficiently damaged, a new nail will grow underneath it and the old one will fall off, just as happens with us.  Other than occasionally checking to make sure it isn't infected, I would leave it alone until it either falls off or heals, and stop trying to clip it.  

It will grow out in time. I would suggest super glue but I have never tried it. Nails reflect heath conditions even in humans, but figuring out the change would be nearly impossible in my opinion. Gelitan would help new growth. Perhaps new clippers, sharper cleaner cut. My dogs have split nails from time to time, trimming is all I have ever done, and wait it out. If there is bleeding there will be pain, you could see the vet but I don't think it's all that serious.

Thank you!  Actually, I make his treats from knox gelatin!  Made a batch this morning, doggie jigglers!  We do lots of rock climbing but I don't recall any incidents, in particular.  I'll keep an eye on it, attempt to keep it as short as possible and give him jiggler treats.  Thanks again!

We would never know they hurt themselves...they never tell you...they are hard dogs...my gsd have done lots of things to their bodies and I never know till next day when I brush or one gets in my lap or I do worming or shots or clean ears....

The nails go thru a lot of wear and tear...they seldom hollar of even show any sign they got split or pulled..tough kids...

YR

Opps, didn't see that you suggested not clipping DD.  Maybe I'll just leave well enough alone for the time being.  If we do any outdoor climbing, etc, maybe I'll keep it wrapped to prevent further damage until the new nail grows in.  Moons, my clippers are sharp, I keep up with maintenance on them, I sharpen them at the same time I do my knives.   I do have super glue, maybe I'll try it, couldn't hurt!  Thanks guys!

You got that right YR, they can be tough as nails (pun intended, LOL)!

My bitch splits her nails every now and then...from digging and scratching on the crate door if she sees other dogs doing bitework.  I super glue the pieces together let it dry, and cut it down as much as possible...then  super glue it again if the cutting split it open again.  It works good, no lameness and she can work and bump it without it bothering her.

dremel is my friend! it is much better than clipping. it kinda helps with that I had problems with my dew claws in my male, now I dont I use dremel..( his nails are brutally hard so I knew it was not the hardness of them)
P