My dog's dew claw is ripped & swollen. Should I go to the ER vet?

Question

My dog has been licking his back dew claw the past few days and we just realized he must have snagged it on something and ripped the nail. I can see the quick exposed at the base of the nail and the nail looks like its hanging off. As of today, the dew claw pad is swollen to almost twice the size of the other dew claw pad. Our vet is closed until Monday. Do I need to take him to the emergency vet now, or can he wait until Monday? He is walking & acting fine, but I want to make him comfortable. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 5 years and 10 months old | 20 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Poor Carl! Due to the swelling, which is an indication of infection, I would take him into the ER vet now. The nail will have to be removed, probably under sedation, and he will need antibiotics if the pad is infected (he may have introduced infection to the area with the licking). In my opinion, it's best to have him seen now instead of waiting until Monday.

My dog's dew claw is ripped & swollen. Should I go to the ER vet?

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