Can I ask about a torn claw please?

[WendyTorrance]

I've posted here before, I'm a first time dog owner and you were all so helpful last time that I'm back again!

17 days ago my dog tore the claw on his front right little toe. He was seen by the vet, bandaged, given pain relief and a 'cone of shame' given. Bandage was removed by vet 3 days later and claw was healing well. Advised to keep massive cone on him and lead walks only.

He's been back to the vet for a review today and we have been advised to continue with the cone and 'wait and see'. Problem is, the cone is so big he's struggling with doorways etc and my legs are badly bruised from his bashing into me!
How long would you continue with the cone?

Also (I forgot to ask the vet about this) can he go off lead yet or do we have to wait until claw falls off?

I'll try and upload a pic.

Thanks!

Hope you can see it...

The cone had been off all of 20 mins and he's managed to cut his ear with his sticky-out claw so that question has been answered .

He's now re-coned and sulking. I'll have to get bubble-wrap trousers.

As long as it looks like it is healing, all should be well. Shame he has to wear a cone though. Anyway, keep a good eye on it. Is it still bleeding at all? Watch it for any sign of infection. A split claw, if split high up, can get nasty and even start to infect the toe bone. My terrier got that (years ago) and had to have the claw removed in the end which is basically an amputation of the last toe bone. Solved the issue though, lol.

LimeJellyHead thanks for your reply, you were a great help to me with my last dog-related question!

No, it's no longer bleeding. The claw was half-on/half-off and the vet thought it better to let it heal rather than removing it. I'll keep an eye on him but he's not in pain - we know about it if he is! I'll take his cone off in a couple of days and see how he gets on. I think I'm best taking him for 4 mile yomps long lead walks for now.

My terrier has SLO ,which first presented as one torn claw ,eventually he had to have the toe amputated , he has also had about 3 badly split / torn nails , we never bandage or use a cone we just keep it clean and keep him on a lead for a few days until they are healed enough to take a knock . He is on medication for it now and his nails have improved a lot .

Would he be better with a towel rather than a cone, like this?

Thanks to you all, I'm definitely going to remember the towel trick.

Anyway, problem has resolved itself. The claw has fallen off, dog not limping or in pain. I've phoned vet for advice who said to just observe. His cone is off now and he has had a celebratory bounce around the house (he's just over 40kg so that's not great) and has settled down to happily destroy a tennis ball.

Thanks again.

Good news