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
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Top
Claw and Nail Disorders Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Cavoodle 2nd generation
Nearly 1
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
My dog has 2 white claws what does it mean?
July 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It probably is normal pigment for your dog, as many dogs have black or white nails.
If you think there may be a problem, it would be best to ask your veterinarian, as they can see the nails and see if there is anything wrong.
I hope that all goes well for your dog!
July 11, 2020
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Border Collie
Sky
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Split Claw
Hi, my 1 year old border collie pup has what I guess is a split nail. All other nails look healthy and intact. The top part of the offending nail has separated from the bottom and the bottom part has turn dark brown/grey in colour rather than her usual pink. It looks and feels rougher also. There is no pain on palpation and has been no bleeding to my knowledge. Occasionally she stumbles whilst out on a walk and goes a bit silly as she does when she is a little hurt. I wonder whether the damaged claw could be the cause.
Sept. 3, 2018
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Belgian Malinois
Dax
12 Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Pain
Hard
Brittle Nail
Yellow Coloring To Underside Of
Yellow Color On Underside Of Nail
I have a 12 year old Belgian Malinois. When he came to me a few months ago he had one nail ripped out of one of his toes. The toe is swollen to about the size of two toes. It almost looks abscessed. He licks it quite a bit, and limps on it a bit. And I’ve recently noticed that one of his dew claws is beginning to do the same. Where the actual toe has swelled up, there is a yellowish color to the under part of the nail, and there is bleeding at the base of the nail where it goes into the toe, and looks as though it is going to fall out. Which makes me wonder if this is how the other toe began. If you push on the toes, they are hard not “mushy” like an abscess. And they really only bust open and bleed not pus. I have been to the vet and they do not think they are abscessed. And prescribed him antibiotics to see if they could get rid of the infection that way. If the pills do not work, next they want to try a shot that is for skin infections as he believes it’s a type of skin infection. I am slightly skeptical of it being a skin infection. Due to the fact of how the dew claw is now starting to look.
Aug. 18, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Dax it is difficult to say what specifically is going on here; however infections (fungal or bacterial), autoimmune disease, trauma, nutritional deficiency among other causes may lead to similar issues. See how the antibiotics go, but if there is no joy I would think about visiting another Veterinarian for a second opinion if you’ve got doubts. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 18, 2018
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American bully
Snupe Cowart
14 Months
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My dog Snupe is 14 months old American Bully. He has black nails and white nails. I can see what appears to be blood around the base of his nails (inside). He did not have that three months ago. It is the same on all of his nails. He licks his paw sometimes.
What do you think?
thanks in advance
Otis
July 22, 2018
0 Recommendations
Some nail bed infections (fungal) can cause some issues, but if there is frequent licking there may be some irritation from another cause; if there is no discharge around the nail bed you should visit your Veterinarian for a check to be on the safe side since nails on all four paws seem to be affected. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 23, 2018
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Brazilian Mastiff
Dozer
2 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Soft Nails
Easily Break
My Brazilian Mastiff has extremely soft nails and he breaks/splits them easily while digging. The last nail was suddenly split right down the center and created a "Y" shape. My vet had to cut his whole nail off level with the pad. The time before that, he was playing in water and ground them completely down to the quicks on all toes. This is my second Mastiff mix that has had serious nail issues. Is there something we can do for this or is this a Mastiff issue?
July 21, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Mastiffs in general don't tend to have softer nails than normal, but Dozer may have longer nails than he should if he is aggressively digging. It might be a good idea to have them trimmed regularly if they are longer, and that might help. If it is actually a problem with his nails, he may have a fungal or bacterial infection in his nails that might be causing that, and some dogs do have nail diseases. Since I can't see him, it would be best to have your veterinarian examine his feet and nails closely and determine if there is a medical problem.
July 21, 2018
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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.
