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?