Ask DS - dog injury

[jacksbuddy]

I know that this may get moved to the gun dog forum, but I'm asking here to get more opinions. The day after Christmas, Jack tore a nail on his front paw. I don't mean a little split into the quick, I mean a real big break. It went all the way up into the toe itself. We didn't realize it until the next day when we noticed him limping. We bandaged it and kept him off of it for a couple of days to let it grow back out some and hopefully heal. Well, now the broken part has come completely off. He's not in pain, and it doesn't seem to be infected. But there is a half inch long and a quarter inch wide gap in his nail.

My question is this. Is it ok to hunt with him like this, or should I wait until this thing grows on out to keep from risking infection? Like I said, he doesn't appear to be in pain, and it isn't infected now, but the quick is definately exposed.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[msbigdawg1234]

No sense in risking infection and making things worse..better to pick birds up ya self or bring another dog than worse injury and bigger vet bill......have not hunted my girl all yr cause of a cut...but has healed good and hopefully have nuff birds rest of the yr for her to get in some hunts....

[richard b evers]

+1 "No sense in risking infection and making things worse"

[Don Miller]

You certainly wouldn't want to risk staph(sp?) infection. I'd consult a vet before hunting him.

[GulfCoast]

I have had heck with mine getting foot injuries, and me making it worse by not letting them totally heal. I would go straight to the vet.

[DuckBoat]

I still hunt mine when they get a toe nail ripped off.

[Beaudog1]

[flyhi2]

You could probably clean it good with peroxide and put some super glue on it. I've seen my wife glue some pretty bad stuff on kids. She says its better than stitches.

[DuckBoat]