Missing Claw

[Tonisita]

I've noticed this afternoon that Smudge seems to have a claw missing. It look black where it came out, but not swollen or warm and he's more bothered by me trying to see it than the claw itself. Will it just grow back, if I keep an eye for redness or swelling? Any advice would be gratefully received.

 

[Wiebke]

I've noticed this afternoon that Smudge seems to have a claw missing. It look black where it came out, but not swollen or warm and he's more bothered by me trying to see it than the claw itself. Will it just grow back, if I keep an eye for redness or swelling? Any advice would be gratefully received.

Hi

Your guinea pig has obviousrly ripped their nail and exposed the quick.

Please disinfect (you can make saline by boiling 250 m/1 pint of water, let it cool and then add 1 teaspoon of salt) and just keep an eye on it.

The nail and quick should eventually grow back. You need to see a vet only if the normal swelling is not going down within about 3 days but is getting worse/hotter and is spreading (infection). A toe without a nail looks naturally a bit thicker than its counterpart. Thankfully, this happens only very rarely in a regularly cleaned environment.

 

[Merab]

Jemimah ripped out a nail the very first time she had floor time.
I followed forum advice and everything was fine.
I was more bothered than she was.

Hope Smudge’s paw is ok

 

[Tonisita]

Thanks, guys! I can see the nail is hanging askew now, so it will come off eventually. It's definitely not showing signs of infection so far. Thanks for putting my mind at rest!

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks, guys! I can see the nail is hanging askew now, so it will come off eventually. It's definitely not showing signs of infection so far. Thanks for putting my mind at rest!

Please cut it off where you can do so safely so it doesn't catch and injure the toe further.

 

[Tonisita]

Thanks for that tip! This morning I was feeding the boys from a selection box of treats, to see what they like. Smudge climbed into the box and demolished the pea flakes! I think we can assume that is his favourite, despite a poorly foot!

 

[Chickensmom]

My first Guinea pig once managed to rip off all three toenails on his back foot. We took him to the vet and she said they were fine. All three grew back curly/spiraled, but he was fine

 

[fluffysal]

The beastie boys say that pea flakes cure everything

 

[fluffysal]

Is Pickle still rumblestrutting all over the place or has he settled?

 

[Tonisita]

I'm afraid he seems determined to wind his brother up! Smudge seems to take it placidly but, for a guinea belts up his tube and hides if move unexpectedly, he certainly bosses his brother! Sometimes I take Smudge out of the play pen to give the poor little chap a break!

 

[fluffysal]

George has some humping toys and he uses them when Boris runs away!

 

[Wheekallweek]

Never had a piggy turn their nose up at a pea flake yet!