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Question
Is it possible for a dog's toenails to get so long they require surgery to clip them?
I have a 4 yr old German Short-haired Pointed that's toenails seems to have become too long. I recently clipped them, but was scared to cut too much because i was scared I was going to damage the quick.
That was a few weeks ago, now the quick on her "right pinky" toe is exposed from under the nail.
We have 2 of these dogs that are cared for identically, but this one's toenails are about twice the length of the other dog. I don't know what to do. I need to get the exposed quick repaired, but am also curious if I need to request that the vet cut her toenails while under anesthesia. I don't want them removed, just trimmed. How much would something like this cost If it is a possible solution?
I am not sure what you mean about her quick being exposed from under the nail. In a clear toe you can always see the quick- it is one third the length of the toenail. That is why we always say to cut to the curve- just to where the nail goes from being thinner to thicker. That is just below the quick usually.
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An exposed quick would be bleeding. If you cut her toes back to the place I just said, then wait three to four weeks and cut them again, the quick will continue to recede back closer to the hair at the top. Cutting a dogs toenails under anesthesia is not worth the cost or the risk and frankly is inhumane. The dog suffers greatly when they wake up and are in pain for a week or more.
We actually refused to do it anymore when one lady who showed her dogs kept demanding it and the dog kept getting more and more terrified of her and us because of it.
With some patience and common sense, you can handle this yourself. Dogs are all unique just as we are, so you cannot compare one dogs toenail growth to another ones.
I am including some diagrams for you to see how to cut the nails.
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| Comment | Thank you so much! I will do my best to take care of the matter. The diagram was helpful! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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