Cut The Quick

[Chief Guinea Pig]

I slightly caught the quick on Lola's back nail, it has only bled the very slightest, we don't have any styptic pen, I put some corner flower on the end, was this the right thing to do?

 

[Kerrie74]

corn flower? Yeah I believe that's one of the flours you can put on it

 

[Kerrie74]

"You can quickly stop the bleeding by dipping the nail into talc, flour or cornflour to create a clot and holding it there until the bleeding stops. Alternatively, for a rather less messy method, you can purchase a rather handy styptic pencil that works simply by adding water to the end and then gently pressing on the end of the bleeding nail."

It also says

"You may also wish to treat the paw with warm salty water to keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection, especially if the paw is a bit mucky. Before putting the guinea pig back in their hutch or cage, make sure the bedding is nice and clean, and then offer a vegetable treat."

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

It's just slightly red at the end. Feel such a bad piggy mum

 

[Critter]

It's just slightly red at the end. Feel such a bad piggy mum

Don't feel bad. I've done this too! I got a bit over-confident one day..... x

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

She keeps licking the cornflower off @Kerrie74 @Critter
How do I do the salty water thing?

 

[Critter]

Boil some water, add a pinch of salt, let it cool, dip the cotton wool in, and hold it to her feat, or place her foot directly in it

It will be OK soon xx

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

I will have to do that thank you. x
Such a worry!

 

[Kerrie74]

What @Critter said

 

[Critter]

Aw hun xx
I was scared when I did this. It bled for a while afterwards and I was worried about it getting infected. I just did the salt bath and placed her on a fresh clean towel on the settee until she stopped bleeding, and then for a while longer for the blood to harden. Gave some hay and treats, and a little house, and she just stayed there for a little bit

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

It's funny that I give people the same advice that you're giving to me to other people. But when it happens to yourself it's worrying lol

 

[Critter]

Yes! When it happens to you lots of 'what if's' go through your mind!

 

[7squeakers.]

I cut the tip of Inka's quick the other day. Just like Lola's it bled very slightly. I had no styptic pencil or any kind of flour. The bleeding stopped on its own in a few minutes.

 

[VickiA]

I've also used soap (from a soap bar) to seal the cut end of claws,nails, beaks (yes I've had a go at cutting most things) and it helps to stop bleeding. It was recommended to me over the phone by an emergency vet once.
They don't usually bleed for long. Don't beat yourself up. We've all done it.

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Thanks guys. Here is the nail now after dabbing salty water with cotton bud. @Kerrie74 @Critter @7squeakers. @VickiA

 

[7squeakers.]

Inka's nail looks just the same!

 

[VickiA]

Phew. All under control. However she may be less cooperative at next claw clip time!

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Haha oh dear!

She licks her paw every so often, I presume that's normal?

 

[Kerrie74]

Ahh she'll be ok

Yeah, it's probably a little bit sore.

 

[Veggies Galore]

I've just seen this thread. I cut Sparkle's quick once. It's a horrible experience - never be repeated.

I've made arrangements to go to a local rescue for her next clip - to help get my confidence back.

 

[Critter]

Yes it's normal for her to lick the paw and toes afterwards..... it does add to the guilt you feel though!

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Yes it's normal for her to lick the paw and toes afterwards..... it does add to the guilt you feel though!

I started thinking oh no I hope she doesn't start cannibalism ! Lol

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Lola is happily pottering about in the piggy palace, and the nail looks normal colour nearly.