soft tissue in the center of the nail

[BoarderBoy]

My dog has been licking at his front left paw.  Upon inspection, there appears to be soft tissue protruding out.  I sure the tissue is sensitive because he seems to guard it as evident by his slightly altered gait.  Also, if anyone has trimmed a pets nails and happen to get close or even hit the blood vessel you know it can be uncomfortable for the animal.  I know this is stuff you can buy to put on the nail if you do indeed hit that vessel.  I'm worried that if he keeps it moist by licking it that it won't heal.  So my question is what is this condition and what is the treatment for it?  Can I use the same stuff that I mentioned, if so what is the name of it?  Any other advice would be appreciated.

[Misfits4Me]

Welcome....Here's a trick:  Soak his foot in Epsom Salts mixed with water...It is very soothing, will dry up the moisture and will fight infection......Also is anti-fungal......

You can buy it (Very inexpensive) at any store that has a pharmacy.....It use to come in a cardboad carton, but now I believe it's packaged in bags.....Good luck and Thank you for coming back with a report.....Karla

[BoarderBoy]

Thanks everyone for your comments.  I decided to go to a vet and have them look at it.  What appears to have happen was his nail got ground down from running on pavement and gravel and started to expose the quick.  My vet also suggested that he could have hit on something hard to start the tenderness (he likes to walk in a stream at our favorite park).  Well, the quick being pretty tender, my dog started licking it making the soft tissue softer.  As I continued to walk him the nail split and caused more irratation and some very minor bleeding.  My vet suggested a boot to keep him from licking and allow time to let it dry thus letting the nail fall off and a new one to grow in.  I am watching for signs of infection but nothing is apparent at this time.  I will be avoiding places that will put him at risk.

[Margot49]

Oh, meant to add, do not use the Styptic stuff on that now if it is not bleeding.
Actually, you might even try some liquid bandage but that may sting.  Like I said, without really understanding this or seeing it, hard for me to advise.

[Margot49]

LOL!!  I haven't addressed this because I'm not really understanding your post.  Did you cut the nails and hit the quick and there is soft tissue exposed?  What you are thinking of is, I'm sure, Styptic pencil or power or liquid.  I use a Dremmel on nails here but always keep a small bottle of Styptic liquid handy to put a dab on an area if it bleeds.
If it does not look infected you can try soaking it a couple of times a day in some warm baking soda and water then make sure it is dried well (hair dryers are good for this).  If you're around to keep the dog from licking it (and, actually, there are some healing properties in their saliva), I would leave it be and keep the dog quiet (no outside running in dirt, etc) for a few days.  You can try an E collar or try putting some gauze with Vet wrap on it or a baby sock held on at the top with Vet wrap during those times you aren't around. Of course, we all know some dogs are very adept at getting that stuff off.  LOL!!  
If it does or starts to look infected, I would definitely have the Vet check it.

[ginger899]

I have vaguely heard of that stuff which you can apply to a torn nail, but have no idea what it is called. But what you need to be careful of here is that the nail does not become infected. It might be already. It also must be very painful especially when he walks.
I think the wisest thing would be to let the vet take a look at it.

To stop him constantly licking it (which he will, and it won't help of course) -the only real solution is to have him wear a cone collar. I know how awkward and uncomfortable these things are but they do the trick, to allow the wound to heal properly.
But I think he needs to be seen by the vet.