Infected Quick !!!!

[BreezyBrizzy]

My dog was limping around, I figured it was because his nails was a big long so I cut them, when I was cutting the second to last one on his Right front paw he jerked his paw back, so I figured I might have cut it to short and hit the quick, so when I was looking at it cuz it's one of his white nails I wasn't near the quick but it looked like pus or something was coming out of the inside of the nail. It seems to be very sore, but his paw is not inflamed, it's the nail itself that is hurting him. I called two vets in the area that I've taken him to and one told me to soak his paw in warm epsom salt water, the other sent antibiotics to Walmart pharmacy for him to take for 2 weeks. He seems like he's in a lot of pain. Is there anything I can possibly do to help him feel more comfortable. I think it might have been the nail I cut back to far a few weeks ago. I think I need to leave the nail cutting to professionals.

[Margot49]

Agree with ginger and it sounds like you are on top of this and glad  you are working with your Vet. It may take 72 hrs for that antibiotic to kick in.  Yes, do keep an eye on it for any sign of infection.  
I would stick with the soaking a couple of times a day in the epsom saltz and make sure it is kept dry (use a hair dryer if you have to, if the dog will tolerate it on low and a warm setting or let it air dry).  For cleaning, you might just want to use a mild soap and water and possibly put some antibiotic ointment on it.  Hydrogen peroxide is good but not over long term as it can damage the tissue.  I'm not sure where you live, but if you have a PetsMart near you, they sell a Vet wrap (elastic-type bandage) that is good to use as it will stick to itself and has some give.  The Vet didn't wrap it or suggest you wrap it?  It may not need it but, if it does, try the Vet wrap with some gauze under it with a little antibiotic ointment on the gauze so it won't stick.

[BreezyBrizzy]

The vet just called in the antibiotics yesterday, so he got 1 @ 7pm, and just again @ 7am this morning because it says to give him one every 12 hours. The cleaning is not a problem for me, I am very OCD and this dog was really sickly when I adopted him, he has Demodectic mange but the Promis has kept that under control now, but his immune system never kicked in so he will always have this skin disease so if he's off the medicine he will lose his hair again and the mites will overpopulate. So I've always been good about checking his paws because sometimes they would crack and bleed. Then I think when I cut his quick a few weeks ago it may have got infected because my husband put him outside because he bled all over the floor. I will keep a good eye on it, and keep in contact with my vet. They are pretty good about calling in whatever I need if I just tell them what is going on. I have soaked it, and cleaned it with antiseptic cleaning stuff, along with using peroxide. Today he woke up and was in a better happier mood, maybe it's feeling less pressure behind it since when I cut it I released some of the pus in the quick. Thanks I will  keep and eye, and keep it clean. Thanks for your help & website!

[ginger899]

Well it sounds like the vets are doing the right thing, so far. This will be painful for him, and the problem is, the front legs are more weight-bearing with a dog than the back ones, so he'll feel it every step he takes.

How far into his antibiotic course is he? There should be some improvement after a few days of treatment, but keep a close eye on his foot. If you see any signs this infection is not going away, or seems to be spreading, get him back to the vet quickly, as he may need a stronger course of antibiotic. Hopefully when the antibiotics really "kick in" his pain and discomfort will ease up. Maybe you could ask your vet for some pain relief for him?

Nail bed infections need careful treatment, if not, it is possible the dog could lose a nail, or even a toe, so be very watchful.

I was checking out good reading about this which might help you, and discovered this site:

http://www.wiki-pet.com/health/dog/condition/index.php?condition_id=404&name=nail+bed+infections

There is some very good advice here, on how to manage this.

One important thing is he must rest that foot. And it must be kept clean (which means quite a lot of work for you, as every time he goes out he will be bound to get some dirt on his feet!) So while it heals, he will have to be taken out only to poop and pee.