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nail tale

my robust, 80lb. Belgian Shepherd mix split an outer nail on his back paw over a week ago. i did take him to vet who thought sedation and removal might be called for, but agreed to clip it back and monitor the sequelae, with my applying antibiotic ointment and possible e-collar. It no longer bleeds, it does not cause him to limp or seem to bother him much in movement. I could not bring myself to put on the 'collar of shame' because i knew he would resist and hate it;  he fusses over it somewhat but not excessively. I see no new blood...
The nail appears split VERTICALLY, and there is like a reddish, clotted tissue sandwiched between what looks like the empty, original nail 'skeleton' and a smaller sliver of nail on the other side of it.
I tend to want to let it heal itself but realize this may be naive. Don't know if i or vet should try to remove remaining portions: maybe the split hard shell is protecting the more sensitive 'clot' or quick (if that's what it is.)
Your thoughts?
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974371 tn?1424653129
I would continue to monitor it. At this point,midesto not sound like an infection.  
Try soaking it a couple of times a day in an Epsom Salts solution. Put in some container and let him stand in it for 5-10 mins.  
You can try some Vet wrap on it, if he will leave that on, but it has to be changed if it gets wet, best thing is to leave it exposed and limit his activity. It should grow out.
Any sign of infection like swelling, bleeding, pus, etc then back to the Vet.
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675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
I am just a little bit surprised that your vet can't come up with some answers....
My own instinct would be not to interfere with it as new nail will probably grow down naturally. But it will need monitoring for any signs of infection, probably antibiotic creams or powder put on it, and might need protecting against further damage.
What suggestion does the vet come up with? (apart from the e-collar)
Helpful - 0
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