What are Claw and Nail Disorders?
The study of the nails is called onychology and has recently become more of a focus in the veterinary field. Research is extensively underway in order for those in the veterinary field to understand more about the complexities of the claws, their function, and how to treat injury and disease. Claw and nail disorders are not often seen in veterinary clinics as a single disorder. For example, a bacterial infection of the nail can run concurrently with a skin condition as it is a continuation of the epidermis and dermis. Other conditions may be an abnormal growth formation or an infection. Systemic diseases can also affect the claws and nails.
Diseases and abnormalities of the nail and claw are quite numerous in nature and often accompany skin disorders. Nail and claw dystrophy can occur as the result of a trauma, infection, or abnormal formation, to name a few. Because the nail is such an important part of movement, grasping, and defense, any nail or claw problem should be examined by your veterinarian as these conditions can become very uncomfortable for your dog.
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Symptoms of Claw and Nail Disorders in Dogs
Diseased claws and nails can predispose your pet to trauma, lameness, and pain. If you see that your dog’s nails are not looking as they normally do, a visit to the veterinarian is in order.
- Reddish colored claws
- Whiter than normal claws
- Nails that are wider or narrower than normal
- Splitting of the nail
- Softness
- Curving
- Swelling
- Looseness of claws
- Sloughing off of claw plate
- Brittleness
- Pus
- Claws that break easily
- Ingrown appearance
- Licking and chewing
- Pain upon walking
- Secondary symptoms on the footpad and surrounding skin
Types
The types of claw and nail disorders are many in number. A very few of them are listed here.
- Onychomadesis - sloughing of the nail
- Onychodystrophy - abnormal claw formation
- Macronychia - nails that are unusually large
- Onychitis - inflammation in the matrix of the claw
- Paronychia - inflammation of the nail fold
- Onychoschizia - splitting of the nail
- Onychomalacia - softening of the claw
Causes of Claw and Nail Disorders in Dogs
The reasons for your pet to have a problem with the nail or claw range greatly in cause, some of which are listed here.
- Exposure to the environment (wet too often or excessively dry)
- Human error in nail clipping
- Viruses such as distemper
- Age
- Parasites
- Fungus
- Bacteria
- Neoplasia
- Food hypersensitivity
- Infection secondary to hypoadrenocorticism or diabetes
- Trauma
- Autoimmune disease such as pemphigus vulgaris
- Nutrition
- Genetics
- Breed disposition (for example, Schnauzer, Greyhound, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd are predisposed to idiopathic symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy)
- King Charles Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, and German Shepherds are prone to many nail diseases
Diagnosis of Claw and Nail Disorders in Dogs
The exact cause and reason for disorders like sloughing of the nails or curvature of the claw can sometimes be hard to specifically diagnose. Along with the fact that there are many illnesses that can lead to cracking of the nails or loosening of the claw for example, pinpointing why there are situations of persistent inflammation or infection can be a challenge.
Cytology tests, which will aid the veterinarian in the process of diagnosis, are indicative tools that are used to examine tissue. Neoplasia (abnormal tissue growth), paronychia (inflammation of the soft tissue around the claw), bacteria, and fungal disorders can be identified through this diagnostic mechanism. Skin and nail scrapings may be done to verify the presence of mites.
If there is a suspicion of a food-related cause like an allergy or intolerance, the conclusion of the problem could take more time because your pet may have to be put on an elimination diet in order to determine foods or additives that could be causing concerning effects to the nail.
Radiographs of the claws or biopsy of the nail are other tests that your veterinarian may have to do if other approaches cannot resolve the diagnostic question. Serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, and complete blood count are additional methods to check the health of your beloved pet, verifying the enzyme levels and checking for systemic diseases.
Treatment of Claw and Nail Disorders in Dogs
The type of treatment that your pet may have to undergo in order to rectify the nail disorder will depend on the cause; the range of reasons for a claw problem are many. Before your veterinarian does begin treatment, however, he will take some considerations into account.
- Is one paw affected, or all four?
- Has the deterioration of the nail been a slow progression or is it an acute situation?
- Is there a breed disposition?
- Is there a systemic disease that needs to be treated concurrently?
- What is your pet’s age?
Because canine claws take six to nine months to completely regrow, many of the therapies (and the results from them) will be seen only after 6 to 8 months of the regimen.
Parasitic effects on a claw can be resolved by eliminating the parasite and then repairing the nail. A bacterial infection will be eradicated with antibiotics; the course of the medication may be required for several months. A nail damaged by trauma could see a treatment of daily antiseptic soaks, along with a removal of the cracked or broken claw. A dog with an immuno-suppressive disorder will need a prescription for oral prednisone. The dose is usually tapered off as the nail heals. Topical creams, Omega 3, and vitamin A and E supplementation could be recommended in addition to other therapy.
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Recovery of Claw and Nail Disorders in Dogs
Depending on the type of claw and nail disorder, there can be a chance of relapse after cessation of the treatment. Some conditions need lifelong therapy in order to keep the nail destruction at bay. Your veterinarian will advise you based on the situation, but it is known that canines should be kept on a good quality high nutrient food which allows for the growth of a healthy nail. Supplementation of vitamins, gelatin and biotin are often needed as a preventative for future recurrences. Frequent nail trimming is always a good idea, to help keep the claw strong and to avoid splitting or breaking.
Claw and Nail Disorders Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$600
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Claw and Nail Disorders Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
American Pit Bull Terrier
One Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Split Nail Stopped Bleeding Lil Clear Discharge
What should I do to clean it or should i take her in
Sept. 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
When dogs nails split, they often need to be seen by a veterinarian to be removed, as they can be quite painful. I do think it would be best to take her in to see a veterinarian. They will be able to assess her nail, see if it is broken because of a trauma or a disease, and let you know the best way to treat it. They often require sedation to remove, but once they are removed they grow back normally. I hope that all goes well for her.
Sept. 16, 2020
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staffordshire bull terrier cross
Eight Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
i took my dog for a walk earlier today in the park i came back this afternoon i have notcied on her front leg paw on her little toe her nail underneath seems to have gone red its not swollen but it is red any advice on what to do
Aug. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is possible that your dog tore her toenail, and that may need to be seen by a veterinarian to help resolve. If she is comfortable, and walking around normally on it, you may be able to watch for a day or two and see what happens with it. If it is not getting better, or you noticed that she is painful or limping on that leg, then it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian. I hope it all goes well for her.
Aug. 4, 2020
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Min Pin
Ten Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Nail Bed/Nail Issues
A couple of nail beds are growing out of control and are unusually thick and wide.
July 31, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. There are multiple conditions that can cause nails to grow abnormally. The first step would be to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so they can examine the feet more closely. They may want to perform x-rays or perform a fungal culture to assess the underlying cause. Once a cause is determined they can provide treatment options. Good luck.
July 31, 2020
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Great Dane/German Shepard
Three Months
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1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
One clear nail on each back paw
July 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon for dogs to have white or clear Nails in addition to black nails. If you think there may be an infection or a problem with the nails, it would be best to ask your veterinarian at her next examination, but it is probably normal for your dog. I hope that all goes well with your puppy.
July 26, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
Five Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Depression
My dog has two nails coming out of the same nail seems to be painful for her
July 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I would be surprised if that happened suddenly, and while it may not be comfortable when you touch the nails, I'm not sure that it is actually painful for her without being able to examine her. If it is something that you noticed recently, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can see what might need to be done about the other nail.
I hope that all goes well for her!
July 25, 2020
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Beagle
Seren
9 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Nails Over Grouwn, Itching,
Nails Over Grown (Vertically),
Raw Skin Paptches
We recently found a sweet stray beagle 8-10 years of age. All of her nails are curved, but one rear paw a nail is extended 1-11/2 inches up (vertically). she is itchy and has rare places one her belly. My vet is out of town till Tuesday but I was wondering how best to treat. It seems it is more of a neglect issue. We purchased Taste of the Wild Salmon food, and I am giving her a skin calming bath today. Is there anything else I can do for her in the meantime? It make me so angry that someone would neglect such a sweet dog. She is heaven sent though My 16 3/4 year old beagle passed away 2 years ago and this little sweetie lights up my world. I just want to make her as comfortable as possible while we wait. Would epson salts be a good idea?
Corgi Cattle Dog
Ace
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding Claw
I have an 8 year old corgi mix and over the years his one back leg is not as straight as the other. It doesn’t seem to bother him except it causes him to drag his paw every time he turns or circles and his two middle claws have worn down to the center making them bleed sometimes. Other than to correct his crooked leg what are my options to save him from filing his middle nails down to nothing and causing them to bleed? I feel bad for him!
Claw and Nail Disorders Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$600
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
