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
Pit bull
Cap
4 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Flaking Nails
My 4 month old Pitty, Cap, has flaky nails. The top layer is flaking off, they are still thick and healthy though. I'm just curious if this is normal fur puppies?
July 17, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are a few possible causes for flaky nails which may include infections (fungal), immune mediated conditions (lupoid onychodystrophy) among other conditions; you should ensure that Cap is getting a diet appropriate for age and breed (to ensure it isn’t a nutritional deficiency) and visit your Veterinarian to determine the cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.zoetis.ca/conditions/dogs/dermatology/lupoid-onychodystrophy.aspx
July 18, 2018
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Cane Corso
Ivy
1 Year
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
I have a Cane Corso 1 year old female dog. Her nails have always been dark and now they are turning white. It’s look like it’s only her front nails more than one. Not sure if this is normal for this breed or if I should take her in to the vet.
June 26, 2018
2 Recommendations
Nail colour may change early in life, but it is important to rule out other causes; if the nails are not brittle, cracking, flaking or if Ivy isn’t licking them or the nail bed isn’t irritated I wouldn’t be concerned and would just keep an eye on it for now. However, if there is licking, cracking or anything showing discomfort have your Veterinarian check them; otherwise just bring it up at the next checkup. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 27, 2018
My elderly White Shepherd started tripping on his front paws a few months ago. As a result he has two broken-off nails on both paws right past the quicks.
I have given him minimal walks since then to allow the nails to grow, but even walking on grass now causes his quicks to bleed. Last night all 4 paws were bleeding badly and he now have broken nails on all 4 feet. We are booked in to see our vet but have to wait a week.
I am assuming that in his old age his nails are very brittle and will need supplements to strengthen then and get them to grow back so he can walk properly? His nails have never grown fast, and always required being clipped seldom. So concerned I won't be able to walk my old boy to keep him moving with his arthritis :(
KJ - New Zealand
July 5, 2018
Katie-Jane B.
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Chihuahua
Chavela
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain When Lifted
Pain When Lifted No Appetize
Hello Dr I have Chihuahua she's a female and you know her previous owner wasn't really that great with her. Especially her nails and to this point her nails are curly and she seems to be I. A lot of pain lately she's been not her self she doesn't seem to be playful as before what's so ever shes not interested in anything she just lays around n shakes most of the time. And there's times where I try to pick her up and she like screams/yells but at that point I still haven't even picked her up. She doesn't want to eat no drink water. Could she be depressed as well do to the pain of her nails? Sometimes I feel like she's slowly dying on me.
May 29, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Chavela, I cannot determine what the cause of her pain is or if there is something more serious going on with her. You should get her nails seen to see if they may be trimmed or may need to be removed in a severe case; in any case I would recommend you take her to a Veterinarian for a check to help narrow in on a case for this apparent pain. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 30, 2018
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Pit bull
Max
4 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loose Nail
Soft Nail
Larger Nail
My Pitbull/Lab/Husky mix has one nail that grows more so out of the top of his pad, it appears loose and the undernail crumbles away if you attempt to clip it. It also grows much fast and wider than other nails. It is only on one nail, doesn't seem to get worse, but cannot be on the cold, where is other paws/nails don't seem to mind..would this be a fungal infection? If may not be an immediate worry, but is it something that might get worse?
May 17, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are a few possible causes from trauma to the nail bed at an early age, infections or another cause; without examining it I cannot say for certain. You should certainly discuss this with your Veterinarian at Max’s next checkup to get their thoughts on it. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 18, 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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