Anyone ever take their cat to the vet with an ingrown toe nail?

teeveecat

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On Friday (today is Monday), I noticed a black spot on my senior cat's front left paw. Upon closer inspection, I saw what looked to be dried blood, and the toe nail of the middle claw embedded in the paw skin next to it. I immediately called a local vet as my old vet just retired a few months ago. The next day, he clipped the nail, and pulled out several pieces of nail from the skin. He thinks it was probably growing that way for a year! I always check the cat, but I rarely separate her claws.

He cleaned the area (not as thoroughly as I've seen on Youtube videos), and told me that he to give her 2 ml of liquid Amoxicillin (bubble gum flavor for some reason) 2x a day. I also have to clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide and apply Bacitracin 2x a day.

Cleaning the wound is hard enough with a cat that's not too happy to have it done, but the oral administration of the Amoxicillin is proving impossible with the syringe I was given. The tip that goes in the side of the mouth in back of the canines is just too small. Very little, if any medication at all is getting into the cat's mouth, but my floors and walls definitely now have anti-microbial protection. I can't see how he gave this to me instead of one with a longer tip..

He didn't want to bandage the paw as he said I would have to constantly re-bandage after cleanings. I was also told that I had to use shredded newspaper rather than kitty litter until the wound heals. She's not too crazy about the shredded paper, to saw the least. I've also seen a video where a cat was given a pain killer by injection after the excess nail was removed. from the skin bed.
That wasn't what my poor little girl experienced, however.

I've read in several places that hydrogen peroxide is not great for small animals because, while disinfecting, it also destroys good skin cells. I tried asking this new vet about using Zymox or Vetericyn instead, but he seemed to be getting upset that I was suggesting too much. I had already asked about whether I should try Dasuquin or Cosequin after he told me that arthritis and joint problems are part of the reason older cats get these ingrown toe nails. My previous vet loved to discuss the possibilities and had so much patience. This new vet (who's in his sixties) doesn't seem too crazy about a patient's cat parent treading on his turf. His office was packed, by the way.

Does anyone have similar experiences? Any suggestions for a good syringe? I'm calling the vet this morning in the hope I can stop by and pick up a better one, or else buy one at a local drugstore.
 
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pushylady

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It's very frustrating when medical professionals aren't willing to explain things.. I think the whole authoritarian, "don't ask questions, I know best" approach is very old fashioned, and leaves the patient/client feeling much less confident in them than otherwise.
I think it's worth finding another vet that you feel is a better replacement for your old one. If not for now, then at least for future visits.

As for ingrown nails, I have never experienced them. It does sound quite painful!

I've used syringes quite a few times before, and that one does not have a decent tip. Looks like it's broken! How are you supposed to get anything inside an unhappy cat with that?! If the vet doesn't offer you a better one, then you should be able to find one at the drugstore for no more than $5.
 
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mrsgreenjeens

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I have seen those kind of syringes before.  I don't think it's broken, they make them that way.  I call them "flat nosed".  Some people like them better, some don't. 

My senior cat had her dew claw grow so long it grew back into the pad.  Is that what happened.  I felt horrible because I always checked all her other claws, just forgot the dewclaws.  BUT, we didn't need to do any of the stuff you are describing other than the antibiotic.   AND, because our girl has had no ill effect from Convenia, that what she got.  It's the antibiotic injection that is a "one hit wonder".  Some people say NEVER, EVER give it, but it works for us. 

Since cleaning a wound is never a bad idea, what about using hibiclens?  You should be able to get it at any local pharmacy (non-prescription).  Very gentle. 

So what was his answer about the Cosequin or Dasequin?  Did he give you one?  I agree that you should be able to have a two way conversation with your Vet.  If you're not comfortable, then you need to try to find another one.
 
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jdollprincess

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He gave you a luer lock syringe which are made to attach needles too. I would go to the drugstore and ask for an oral syringe which will be much easier to use. I would definitely find another vet. He should be happy that you care and want to make your cat as comfortable as possible. Arthritis is very common in older cats and if he feels that caused the ingrown nail then he should be starting treatment.
 

fostersrule

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He gave you a luer lock syringe which are made to attach needles too. I would go to the drugstore and ask for an oral syringe which will be much easier to use. I would definitely find another vet. He should be happy that you care and want to make your cat as comfortable as possible. Arthritis is very common in older cats and if he feels that caused the ingrown nail then he should be starting treatment.
How do the needles connect to that?? The needles I use go on the syringes you are referring to as oral syringes.
 

jdollprincess

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The needles screw on the tip for 3cc syringes and larger. The 1cc syringes the needles just push on so they look the same as oral syringes. I assume it's because the 1cc syringes are so skinny.
 
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