Introduction
For most dogs, having healthy nails at the proper length is all about comfort. However, there are times when a nail may need to be completely removed by a veterinarian. This is usually done for medical reasons if the nail is damaged, infected, or causing pain. Complete nail removal is a common procedure performed by vets and while the concept seems simple, there are important steps that go into doing it properly.
If a nail becomes cracked, split, ingrown, or infected, it can be extremely painful for a dog and may need to be fully removed so it can heal. Nails may also need removal if they are damaged by trauma like being caught in a door or stepped on. Cancerous tumors on a toenail may also necessitate removal. Most often, a vet will recommend just trimming damaged nails or partially removing problem areas. But in some cases, full nail extraction is the best option to allow healing and prevent further pain or infection.
Nail removal is typically quick and uncomplicated when done by an experienced vet. However, it does require anesthesia and follow-up care. Understanding the reasons for nail removal, the methods used, aftercare, costs, and potential complications can help dog owners make an informed decision and properly care for their pet after the procedure.
Why Remove a Dog’s Nail?
There are several common reasons why a dog’s nail may need to be removed, including injury, infection, and abnormalities.
Nail injuries are one of the most common reasons for removal. If a nail is torn or partially ripped off, the damaged part often needs to be taken off to prevent further injury and allow proper healing. Trauma from getting the nail caught or jammed can cause cracks, splits, and breaks that require trimming off the damaged nail. [1]
Infections are another cause for nail removal. Bacterial or fungal infections that get into the nail bed and cause inflammation and pain typically necessitate removal of part or all of the nail. This allows medication to reach the infected tissue. [1]
Abnormal nail growth also sometimes requires removal. Overgrown nails that start to curl into a circle and grow into the paw pad need to be cut back. Extra dewclaws or malformed nails may be taken off for the dog’s comfort and to prevent problems.
Pre-Procedure
Before a nail removal procedure, the vet will conduct a full physical exam of the dog to check its overall health and look for any issues that could complicate the procedure. They may run bloodwork or other diagnostic tests if the dog has underlying health conditions. The vet will also examine the affected nail and surrounding tissue to assess the extent of damage and determine the best removal method.
The dog will need to fast before surgery, typically for around 8-12 hours beforehand. This ensures the dog’s stomach is empty during anesthesia to prevent vomiting and aspiration. Water may be provided up until 2-3 hours pre-surgery.
The vet will discuss sedation options with the owner. Nail removal can be performed under local anesthetic, but most vets recommend general anesthesia for patient comfort and cooperation. Anesthesia carries risks, so the vet will consider the dog’s health status and procedure invasiveness when selecting anesthesia type and dosage.
According to Guide to Trimming Your Dog’s Nails, soaking and cleaning the nails beforehand can make the process easier by removing dirt and debris.
Removal Methods
There are a few methods vets may use to remove a dog’s nail, including:
Guillotine Clippers
Guillotine clippers are specially designed clippers that have a hole on one blade for the nail to pass through before being quickly clipped off. This method provides a quick, clean cut and minimizes crushing of the nail. However, there is a risk of cutting the quick, causing bleeding. Proper positioning is important.
Vets will often use guillotine clippers for simple nail trims. But for full nail removal, surgical extraction may be preferred.
Surgical Extraction
Surgical extraction involves putting the dog under general anesthesia and surgically removing the entire nail, root and all. This ensures no nail regrowth and minimizes any complications like infection. However, it is more invasive than other methods.[1]
Vets will shave the area around the nail and sterilize it. Using surgical tools like scalpels, they will fully detach and remove the nail. The paw is then bandaged.
Laser
Some vets may use a laser to cut off the nail. The laser cauterizes as it cuts, sealing the blood vessels and nerves. This leads to less bleeding and pain compared to guillotine clippers. However, laser equipment can be expensive.
Proper laser technique helps avoid burning. The vet must also reshape the remaining digit after removal.
Procedure Steps
The procedure to remove a dog’s nail will depend on whether it is a partial or full removal. Here are the typical steps:
Position the dog on their side or with their paw resting on a stable surface. An assistant may help hold and calm the dog if needed. Apply a tourniquet around the lower leg above the nail to restrict blood flow.
Administer local anesthesia around the nail bed and digit using a 25-27 gauge needle and lidocaine or bupivacaine. This will numb the area for pain relief during the procedure. Wait 5-10 minutes for the anesthetic to take effect before proceeding.
For a partial nail removal, use dog nail clippers to cut off the damaged portion of the nail. Then use a nail file to smooth the edge. For complete nail removal, use scalpel blade to dissect the nail from the nail bed and bone. Carefully sever the blood vessels and nerves connected to the nail.
Use cauterization to heat and seal the blood vessels, preventing excess bleeding. Silver nitrate sticks may also be applied. Remove the tourniquet once hemostasis is achieved.
Bandage the paw with non-stick dressing and wrap. Monitor the dog closely during recovery for bleeding or other complications.
Aftercare
After nail removal, proper aftercare is crucial for your dog’s recovery. According to PawSafe, the vet will likely bandage your dog’s paw to prevent infection and stop bleeding. Bandaging helps protect the sensitive nail bed as it heals. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication for your dog’s comfort.
It’s important to follow all of your vet’s post-procedure instructions. Restrict your dog’s activity to prevent reopening the wound. Keep the bandage clean and dry according to directions. Give all medications as prescribed. Monitor for signs of infection like discharge, swelling, or redness. Call your vet if you have any concerns. With proper aftercare, your dog’s nail should heal within 2-4 weeks.
Recovery Time
According to Wagwalking, the typical healing timeline after a dog’s nail is removed is as follows:
– Swelling and pain should subside within two days of the procedure.
– The nail bed where the nail was removed will take two to three days to heal enough for normal activity.
– It can take up to two weeks for the nail bed to fully heal and new nail growth to start.
– For the new nail to grow back completely can take two to three months.
– Keep the area clean while healing and watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus or fever.
– To allow proper healing, limit activity and don’t let the dog lick or chew at the area.
– Follow any aftercare instructions from your veterinarian, including medications or bandaging.
With proper care, most dogs recover fully after nail removal, although it can take a couple months for the nail to regrow completely.
Complications
Removing a dog’s nail carries some risks of complications, including infection, re-growth issues, and permanent nail loss. According to https://pethelpful.com/dogs/can-you-declaw-a-dog, infection is one of the most common risks after nail removal surgery. The nail bed contains many blood vessels and nerves, so it can be prone to infection if not properly cleaned and bandaged after surgery. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, discharge, foul odor, and fever. If an infection develops, veterinary attention and antibiotics will be required.
Nail re-growth issues are also possible if the root is not fully removed during surgery. The nail could grow back ingrown or deformed. Multiple surgeries may be needed to fully remove the root if regrowth occurs. According to https://wagwalking.com/wellness/can-dogs-get-declawed, permanent nail loss is a risk if the entire nail matrix is removed. This can lead to discomfort in the impacted toe. Careful surgical technique is required to avoid removing too much of the nail root.
Cost
The cost for removing a dog’s nail will depend on a few factors, but here’s a general price range:
For a simple nail trim where the broken part of the nail is removed, expect to pay $20-50. This is considered a routine vet visit.
If the nail is bleeding significantly or infected, requiring antibiotics or cauterization, costs go up to $100-300. This may include an exam, x-rays, and medications.
For traumatic nail injuries where the nail is partially or fully torn off, surgery may be required to fully remove the nail. This can cost $300-500 including anesthesia and aftercare.
Location also impacts price, with vet visits in major cities costing more. And don’t forget to factor in any required recheck appointments for wound healing.
Conclusion
Removing a dog’s nail can seem scary, but it’s often a necessary procedure to protect your pet’s health and comfort. With proper planning, using humane removal methods, diligent aftercare, and monitoring for complications, the process can go smoothly. Some key points to remember are:
- Consult your vet to determine if nail removal is needed, and which technique is best.
- Prepare your dog through conditioning and sedation/anesthesia as required.
- Use precision tools like nail trimmers or surgical guillotine for a quick, clean cut.
- Control bleeding immediately with styptic powder or silver nitrate sticks.
- Keep the site clean and monitor for infection; contact your vet if redness/swelling occurs.
- Allow several weeks for full regrowth of the nail.
- Pain medication, antibiotics, and/or an Elizabethan collar may aid recovery.
- Proper at-home care helps ensure your dog heals comfortably after this procedure.
With some patience and TLC during the healing process, your pup will soon be back to their happy, energetic self with healthy nails.