Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/15/2010

Question
Hi there, My pomeranian broke her nail couple of days ago, half of her nail has ripped off, but the other half is still firmly attached to the nail bed, covering the quick, I've searched up for some information, and some say that the quick will shrink and regrown to the nail's size? I am not too sure what that means, is it necessary to take my pom to the vet to have the rest of her nail remove? even though it's firmly attached? And besides this half ripped toenail,she also ripped off another one cause she was playing too rough, but this time, her nail has completely came off, with the quick exposed, I have then wash it twice a day with anti-bacterial soap, and soaked her nails in betadine, and also dabbed a bit of antibiotic ointment and wrapped it up with a gauze pad, am I doing this right? or should I wash it more often? What are the chances of her getting an infection? If I wash it frequently? and what are the signs of the infection? before any signs of infection, is it necessary for me to bring her to the vet? or is this something that will heal on its own?

Please and Thanks in advance!!

Answer
We normally clip off the damaged nail.  Sometimes they bleed so we cauterize them if that happens.  Broken nails almost NEVER get infected, but they hurt if they break off in the quick.  The quick is nothing more than some blood vessels and nerves inside the nail bed that help to maintain the integrity of the nail.  If you cut it, it will regrow, but slower.