Nail bed infection?

Sunshyne · 06-27-2008, 08:39 PM

Two days ago on our morning walk, I noticed Chloe's paw was bleeding. I was horrified! I washed it off and she has a small cut like mark above her nail. It stopped bleeding, and she didn't bother it. She was / is not limping nor licking it.

So each time we went for a walk, it would bleed, and today we went to the vet because I was afraid of it getting infected. It's a tiny small red mark, and I had been rinsing it and putting antibiotic cream on it. They told me it was hard to tell what it is - could be:

1) an abrasion, no biggie
2) the beginning of an infected nail bed!

Yikes, that's kinda scary. So after 7 minutes with the vet and $108 later... they sent us home with antibiotic pills and an antibiotic wash. They told me what to watch for and she has taken her first pill after many sneaky attempts and food bribes!! hehe

Anyways, my question is has anyone experienced an infected nail bed? Honestly, that was the least of my worries with having a pug and now I'm scared. It could be nothing, but I'm also afraid of the unknown. Thanks in advance!

bcpon · 06-28-2008, 08:43 AM

One of my border collies had an infected nail bed. I trimmed the hair around it so I could monitor it closely and she went on a course of strong antibiotics. It cleared up just fine, but she looked a bit odd with the trimmed foot until the hair grew back.

DobManiac · 07-01-2008, 09:27 AM

Ollie had an infect nail bed when she was about 3 or 4 months old. Stay on top of your meds and the wash. Nail bed infections can be hard to get rid of since the dog is constantly exposing them to all kinds of dirt and dust. Just do what your vet says and I'm sure that toe will be fine in no time.