My cat's nail split and the quick is exposed. What should I do?

Hi, provided the quick does not get infected, the nail will gradually grow back. I think just cleaning it and making sure it does not get infected will be enough. If you should notice any oozing or swelling/inflammation of the area, it could mean that the nail bed is getting infected and it is best to have Jaxon checked over. Also try to prevent Jaxon licking the wound. Hope this helps !

If the nail was torn, it is a good idea to try and trim it back if there are loose edges above the quick to prevent further snagging. If it was completely pulled out, it can grow back, however it is best to monitor for signs of infection as nailbeds can easily become infected. This can include pain, swelling of the paw, limping, chewing/licking at the paw, oozing of debris and discoloration. If you see any signs of pain or infection it is best to bring her to the vet ASAP for treatment.

One of our biggest concerns with a broken nail where the quick is exposed is that the dog will infect the area by licking it. In order to prevent that, I will sometimes recommend an e-collar or a having the dog wear a bootie to prevent licking. Some owners decide to bandage the area, but you have to be very careful to keep the bandage clean and dry or it will worsen an infection. If a dog has already licked a quick, I will usually recommend soaking the foot in Epsom Salts (following the instructions on the box for making it up) for 5 minutes then just drying it well. Some dogs are so painful that they will not leave a quick alone and will require pain medications. If at any time the quick is red or has a discharge or odor, then it might be infected and your veterinarian should examine it. The nail should regrow normally and should not need further treatment after that. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Sunny heals quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If you can remove the nail that is remaining, I would. You can cut the quick, too, if needed. If it bleeds, thickly apply something powdered, like corn starch or flour, to clot the blood. Then place a bandage over the nail for no longer than 24 hours. You MUST take the bandage off in 24 hours and do not place it tightly. If Rex is licking the area, he could cause an infection, so monitor for any swelling, discharge, or redness until the new nail grows. You can also soak the paw in an Epsom salt bath to soothe the area (make sure it is dry before applying the bandage). I cannot stress enough that he cannot wear the bandage longer than 24 hours. Good luck and kisses to Rex!

Poor Beebe! Exposed quicks can be very painful and typically require bandaging for a week or so until the tissue begins to heal and a new nail begins to grow. This will happen without a bandage, but bandaging will help prevent infections. Your vet can also prescribe pain medications and antibiotics. Light sedation may be necessary to place the bandage and clean the area. I hope this helps and that Beebe gets well soon!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Phoebe. If she isn’t limping, it isn’t bleeding excessively, there is no sign of infection, and she’s acting normally, no you don’t need to rush her into a vet. I would have it checked out by a vet, but it’s not an emergency. If she is showing any of the things I mentioned above, then yes I would rush her into a vet. Keep her from licking at it, and keep the area clean and dry until she sees the vet. I hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Khufu. You've done the right thing by cleaning his nail, and if it isn't bothering, keep an eye on him for now. If you see him licking it a lot, limping, or signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, pus), have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps!