Lost Nail Tonight!
 

Advise Please. My 2 yr old Yorkie, Liberty, somehow lost the outermost nail on his front left paw tonight. I heard a yelp, ran to him, and saw he'd started bleeding. It looked like he'd torn it to the quick. I freaked, toweled him, and drove ASAP to the day hospital around the corner. The tech said he'd torn the entire nail OUT! Their vet had just left for the day. The tech said the bleeding had stopped and she put topical antibiotic on it and put wrapped the paw in a flexible bandage. She said she could not give him proper antibiotics or pain meds without the vet but to just watch him and get him looked at again in the morning. His weight is also generally a factor since he is a 3 lb.'er. Still freaking, I drove Liberty home and called his regular vet at his emergency #. Dr. Hernandez said watch for swelling and return bleeding and bring him in in AM. I am watching him like a hawk. The bandage looks tight but what I can see does not look like swelling is occurring. Liberty took chicken and a little cottage cheese when offered. What else should I do or be looking for? He looks so sad; he is accepting my rubbing his head/muzzle/ears and seems to be comforted by that. He is not tugging at or licking the bandage after I told him once to stop. Should I rewrap/loosen the flexible bandage or should I trust the vet's wrap until he sees Dr. Hernandez in the AM? Thanks for any input.

Sorry to hear about little Liberty's accident. I would trust the vet's wrap job and just try to keep him comfortable until you can get him in to your vet in the morning. At least he has eaten something and there is no better comfort than tummy rubs from momma. Hope he is okay.

Sounds like you got good info from your vet. I'd watch for any limping too as that would indicate pain, either from the nail or the bandage. As long as he seems comfortable and no blood seeping through the bandage, I think he'll be good till morning. No roughhousing or running around though. JMHO.

Long Night Ahead
 

Thanks both stopping to give me some imput. It is appreciated. Liberty looks like he is in pain and isn't doing too much. I am carrying him to the pee pad and then back to his bed which I have added extra padding. He moved on his own from his bed to my sweater which I had laid on the couch a couple feet away. Guess that is more comforting. He will sleep with us tonight and I will take him straight away to Dr. Hernandez in AM. Thanks all!
Liberty batted his eyelashes a thanks, too!

Hope you both are able to get some sleep tonight.

So sorry to hear Liberty injured himself. Ouch I know how I feel with a torn nail. Poor baby. I hope Liberty's pain eases and that the appointment goes well tomorrow.
Sending prayers.

Maybe a Little
 

Thanks, dear, maybe a little. I hope the doc helps him with the pain and tells us good news. Nite.

Your vet should be able to give him something for pain tomorrow, poor baby. I hope you both get some sleep tonight.

Still in Pain
 

Liberty has slept very little - for a couple hours it looked very, very uncomfortable. He'd make that very soft, high sound in his throat and couldn't find a comfortable position. Just a few more hours now and hopefully he'll get some meds. Just a little bit longer now...

Baby is Better!
 

Here's an update on Liberty. The vet said his nail did pull completely off, poor baby. There was no swelling overnight; guess the tech had done a good job of putting topical on it and wrapping it just right. He never developed a fever. He doesn't seem in pain any longer but I'm still supposed to keep him from monkeying around too much. Blood work came back perfect. Weird but good news - he was only 2 lb, 15 oz. nine months ago (he is 2 yrs old). Guess he had a very late growth spurt because he now weighs 3 lb, 15 oz. - and he's NOT fat according to the vet. So he is now almost "standard size" - yeah!. Don't know if muscle and and all that hair can account for all the difference, but I'm glad he's bigger (and feeling better). We still can't find what he hurt his toe on, despite looking and looking. Thanks very much to all who offered feedback.

Good news!

Glad to hear the good update on Liberty.