Claw ripped off

I was playing with Indy when I noticed two of her toes stuck together I took a wet paper towel and cleaned it up thinking it was just poop she stepped in. Her toes managed to separate but her claw was missing and she whined when I touched the area. I also noticed an odd oder in the area. Is it possible she caught it on her scratcher and stepped in poo and now it's infected?

I am unable to get to the vet because they are closed for the weekend. Will she be fine if I keep cleaning the area?

As long as she is eating, drinking, going to the washroom and acting normally then she should be okay untill Monday. Any signs of lethargy or lack of appetite and you should bring her to emerg. The main concern is that there is an odor coming from the wound meaning it is likely infected. Keep it clean as much as she will let you and keep a close eye on her. And call the vet as soon as they open.

I would keep a close eye on her, if she seems to be hurting don't let her on her feet. When you can get to the vet first call and ask what their opinion is. I hope Indy will be okay.

It only really seems to hurt her if I extend the claw or touch the raw areas around it she is not limping or whining when she uses it. She even jumped up to the window sill to birdwatch. She is using her box.

Is polysporin ok to put on it? I don't want to hurt her or make it worse.

IndyJones said:

It only really seems to hurt her if I extend the claw or touch the raw areas around it she is not limping or whining when she uses it. She even jumped up to the window sill to birdwatch. She is using her box.

Is polysporin ok to put on it? I don't want to hurt her or make it worse.

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You should ask a vet before using any human products.  I know polysporin with pain relief is not ok.  Use saline solution for now and touch it minimally.

A small amount of plain /regular polysporin would be fine. Just watch and make sure she doesn't lick at it. But if she leaves it alone then it's not a problem.

Thought I would post an update, Indy is a bit better today I think. Her toes are much drier than yesterday she still is quite tender in the area but the smell has gone down still a tiny bit of smell though. All I have been doing is wiping the toes down with a kleenex soaked in water.

IndyJones said:

Thought I would post an update, Indy is a bit better today I think. Her toes are much drier than yesterday she still is quite tender in the area but the smell has gone down still a tiny bit of smell though. All I have been doing is wiping the toes down with a kleenex soaked in water.

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It is quite painful, I'm sure. Glad it's looking better and I think a vet check tomorrow is a good idea. She may need an antibiotic.

Hey, before this goes any further, did you change her litter?? Change it to yesterdays news of any other paper litter, You'll have to clean it way more, but it can save her paw from infection.

Yes she is using paper gator fresh news. It's a bit bigger pellets than yesterday's news.

You can soak or dip her toe in salted water - saline

solution to clean - hydrogen peroxide diluted in water dab or

spray area infected. Worked fine for mine. She will also be

cleaning it.

Finally got some photos. Taken after cleaning with a damp kleenex. Sorry if they are fuzzy hard to restrain Indy and hold the phone at the same time.

Ouch!  Extremely tender for her!  It will grow back....

Ouch! The vet should take a look.

Has this experience made you think differently about declawing at all? Just curious.

talkingpeanut said:

Ouch! The vet should take a look.

Has this experience made you think differently about declawing at all? Just curious.

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Are you saying I should have her claw surgically removed?

I don't think it's bad enough to warrant a declaw the bed seems intact but it is painful that's for sure. She crys if it's touched.

IndyJones said:

Are you saying I should have her claw surgically removed?

I don't think it's bad enough to warrant a declaw the bed seems intact but it is painful that's for sure. She crys if it's touched.

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No, I don't think you should have it surgically removed. It will grow back. I would think that this would make me rethink declawing, if I were considering it.

You mean I should have her declawed? I really think it was a freak incident. Her claw got caught on something (rug maybe?) And it was torn off when she took off or something. Are you saying her claws are a hindrance to her?

No please do not have her declawed!!! Declawing is an amputation of the toe bones it is not just nail removal. Declawing would be more painful in the long run then an accident tearing a nail. You can avoid future accidents like this one by giving her regular nail trims to keep them dull so they can't get stuck on things. No need to amputate her toes!

Maddies Momma said:

No please do not have her declawed!!! Declawing is an amputation of the toe bones it is not just nail removal. Declawing would be more painful in the long run then an accident tearing a nail. You can avoid future accidents like this one by giving her regular nail trims to keep them dull so they can't get stuck on things. No need to amputate her toes!

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I have no intention of doing anything drastic unless it is so infected it has to come off. I was just asking him to clarify.

IndyJones said:

I have no intention of doing anything drastic unless it is so infected it has to come off. I was just asking him to clarify.

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OK thank you for clarifying! Having that one specific toe removed for infection purposes would be completely understandable. I was concerned you were considering a full declaw because of what happened.