Go to a clinic immediately if
- Bleeding continues despite ten minutes of steady gentle pressure, the claw is torn away or the paw swells markedly
Possible signs
- Clicking, altered stance, paw licking, or a broken, bleeding or embedded claw
- The pet protects one paw, a toe is red or there is discharge and odour around a claw
Contact a veterinarian today if
- Have an embedded, deeply torn or infected claw assessed today, especially with diabetes or immune disease
What it is
An overgrown claw changes gait and can grow into a pad; a torn claw is painful and often bleeds. Dewclaws are easily missed.
What to expect at the veterinarian
The veterinarian will assess the claw, pad, infection and other causes of lameness. Painful trimming or removal of damaged tissue may require analgesia or sedation.