Nail/finger bit by dog - Nail Problems Message Board

athome967 · 07-17-2009, 03:25 PM

While trying to break up my dogs from fighting, one of them bit down on my middle nail (towards the bottom by the 1/2 moon/finger). I went to the ER and they cleaned it up, got a tetnus and some antibiotics just in case. It has been two weeks since it happened. So the dog bit done on the nail and it cracked all the way across just down by the 1/2 moon. The nail is still on, even with the crack across the nail bed. I've been keeping it dry and clean and the pain has gone away, but I've noticed the past couple of days that the top of my finger feels numb and a little swollen, again no pain. I'm wondering if the bottom part of the nail that is attached to the cuticle is growing but the other half above the crack is not budging....not sure anyway, does anyone have any experience with this? Should I see a doctor, if so, what kind of doctor?

Thanks.

Marti · 07-21-2009, 06:33 AM

I would see your dermatologist for the swelling. You could have an infection deep under the nail fold at the cuticle.

Marti · 07-21-2009, 06:36 AM

By the way, the best way to break up a fight between the dogs is to grab an ear and pinch down as hard as you can. Their mothers would bite their ears to 'correct' them when they were puppies. It works with my 2 big dogs - so does a big stick. All I do is wack their butts once good and it's over. I might grap Bobby's ear and push Sidney away with the stick. Never get your hands or body between them. I have 6 dogs and 2 cats