My cat's paw gash won't heal and affects his nails. What to do?

It looks like your cat’s toenail has been sheared off, probably from an injury, fight or being hit by a car. My best recommendation is to take your car to the vet where they will be able to fully clean the area around the nail, trim the nails if necessary, and give your cat an antibiotic and pain medication if needed. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Ouch, poor Tiger. Rest him today as much as possible. No running, jumping, or playing. Keep him indoors if he's allowed outside. If he still appears painful the morning, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are be fatal if given.

Hello, sorry to hear about Tiger. It does indeed appear that he has some form of pododermatitis. This is most often associated with either a bacterial or fungal infection which is confirmed with a culture. A biopsy can be considered if the paw is not getting better on medications. This would confirm if there is a more aggressive process on going such as cancer. If the area is not improving within a few days, then have Tiger re-evaluated and consider further diagnostics. Hope this helps and best of luck.

If it currently bleeding you can use some corn starch to help slow the bleeding. Also if you are able to place a light bandage on it to prevent him from licking it tonight that would be good. You can also use a cone collar which you can find at your local pet store if it is still open. I would take him to your vet first thing in the morning for an exam. He may need to have it cleaned, medicated and professionally wrapped. Your vet will also be able to provide antibiotics and pain meds if need. If it is profusely bleeding then I would take him to your local emergency clinic for attention tonight. I hope this helps!

Oh goodness, that looks like a deep infection. It could be bacterial or fungal, but I suspect more likely bacterial. He needs to see a veterinarian for an examination and treatment plan. However, in the meantime if he will allow you to soak his foot in warm water and Epsom salts that may be soothing and beneficial. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

ALthough stitching is the fastest way to heal wounds (5-7days) as it helps sealing of the edges together in the correct alignment, most small flesh wounds such as this will heal over 3-4weeks if kept clean and infection is avoided. You must monitor closely for any heat, swelling or pain which may indicate infection requiring further treatment

If it's infected, it's likely painful to Tiger and she may need to be sedated in order to cut it safely. Unfortunately, there are no OTC sedatives for cats. In addition, an infection requires antibiotics to treat, which can only be gotten from a vet. In this case, I'd advise you to make her an appointment with her vet to have this treated. Best of luck.