Lost toenail

[shannon]

My Congo Gray, Ozzie, had injured his foot (particularly his back toe) some weeks ago. We doctored it and dealt with it a while (it was so bad it was raw and even the scales were "missing," just the pink skin). His toe now looks normal, but his toenail had been looking terrible, like it was practically twisted around. He picked at it a bunch and last night I noticed the whole toenail is MISSING! Well, I can see something inside his toe, like maybe the nail broke off at the base, but for the most part it is missing. He has a doctor's appointment Friday to get his nails clipped, and I am thankful for the timing (cause it takes forever to get an appointment with our doctor!), but are there any bits of advice, comfort, suggestions, etc. anyone can give regarding a missing toe?

[Greywings]

As long as it remains infection free he should be fine. Weather the nail regrows or not will not affect his ability to get around or play so the Vet will ck it out and hopefully you will keep us informed. That twisted nail must have been bothering him or getting in the way causing him to remove it completely.

[Dave007]

There really isn't much you can do. The nail is missing, can't be replaced. There's no bleeding. The rawness is usual but it'll eventually go away. The vet will check for infections and if any cauterizing needs to be done, it's a very simple easy thing to get done. Right now, if you have any, remove all sand and concrete perches. If you have irregular shaped perches in the cage, leave them alone in the cage. Don't put smooth dowel type perches in the cage. He won't be able to grip them and he'll slide and may lose his balance. If there is any bleeding that may occur betweem now anf friday, dab the area with a Q-tip that has talcom powder on it. Press against the wound for a minite and bleeding will stop. Good luck.

[Cheshire Cat]

It's actually very strange you mention a missing toenail; when I had Tui she was missing a toenail on her right foot and it has never re-grown, so I doubt Ozzie's will. As said before, just keep an eye on him and his foot and I'm sure he'll be fine. He's going to the best place on Friday so I'm sure the vet will have a look for you and give you any advice.