Claw fracture

Claw injuries and broken claws are relatively common problems in dogs, but can also affect cats and can be painful and uncomfortable for your four-legged friend. A common cause of broken claws in dogs is that the claw has become too long. In some cases, a broken claw can occur without any external force, and this is called a detached claw capsule. The causes of detached claw capsules can be tumors, infections or autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of Claw Fracture

Usually, the first sign of a broken claw is a sudden limp in your pet. Your dog or cat may also start licking the paw and show pain when they put their paw down or if the claw is touched. If there is a crack further along the claw, the animal may react mildly or not at all, while if there is a crack all the way up to the claw crease, the pain can be significantly more severe. When the entire claw is torn off, it usually causes both bleeding and pain.

When should you contact a veterinarian?

A broken claw is rarely an emergency, but it can feel urgent because your animal is often very lame and in pain. If there has been a major crack or if the claw has been blown off, you should contact your veterinarian within 24 hours to get the right treatment.

Treatment at a veterinarian

‍If the entire claw, including the pulp, has been torn off, the vet will usually shave and clean the area. If bleeding is still present, a paw bandage may be applied. In cases where the crack extends all the way to the claw fold or if the claw is swollen, the entire claw must be removed. This is usually done under sedation or general anesthesia. If the claw is not removed, there is a risk of inflammation developing in the claw fold, which can spread to the claw bone. To prevent claw injuries and broken claws, it is important to trim your dog's claws regularly. This helps to prevent the claws from becoming too long and therefore more susceptible to injury. By paying attention to your dog's claws and acting quickly if you suspect a problem, you can help keep your four-legged friend healthy and comfortable.

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