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Nail hanging off!

  • Thread starter Thread starter smudge.xx
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smudge.xx

Hi.

When I gave Smudge a bath earlier I noticed that on his left paw his middle finger nail was hanging off. I wouldn't want to pull it off as it might hurt him. :(

Has this ever happened to one of your guinea pigs?
Any suggestions to what I should do?
Please reply.

Zoe xx
 
No sorry, haven't experienced this with any of my pigs. You could check the cage to make sure there is nothing sharp that he could have could his toe/foot on. I would probably wait to see if the nail falls off itself. Like you said trying to remove may cause more pain. Is he using his foot properly or holding it up?
 
Does he live alone, or as part of a group? If he is part of a group, have to checked the other piggies over thoroughly to see if there are any signs that they may have had a scuffle? I would also check for any gaps or splits in his cage where he might have gotten it stuck and then ripped it trying to pull it out.

I definately wouldn't try pulling it off either, as you are right, it probably WOULD hurt him, and could potentially bleed a LOT or could become infected. If it is damaged enough that it is going to come off, it will do so on it's own soon. I personally would just watch him closely until it either heals or falls off and try to ensure that he doesn't catch it on anything and do more damage.

Sorry I can't be of more help!
 
Thanks for replying.

He is using his foot properly and he lives alone. I noticed today that the nail seems to be in the normal place, on the finger. He has now gone to my brothers house with his friend Bella who is a rabbit (they don't go together), while we go on holiday so my brother will keep an eye on him especially.

Thanks again.

Zoe xx
 
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