My cat Luna (3 years old) seems to have broken her nail in the last couple days. I took her to the vet yesterday but as she was “too difficult” they refused to examine her at all, let alone look at her nail and stated she’d need sedation which would cost £500. I have insurance but I’d rather not put her through such a stressful situation if it can be avoided. The broken part that was attached yesterday has come off on its own but the nail underneath seems to be splintered and there is a bit of dried blood underneath. What should i do? I’ve been trying to clean it with warm water and epsom salts but she despises water and will most definitely not let me soak her paw in it. I’ve also noticed a nail on her back paw that looks as though the bottom has been ripped off. Theres no bleeding though. Shes otherwise acting normally, doesn't seem to be in pain, no limping and it doesn't seem to be infected either. I’d greatly appreciate any advice as the vet was pretty much useless, didn’t tell me how to care for it or what to watch out for :/
luna0021
My cat Luna (3 years old) seems to have broken her nail in the last couple days. I took her to the vet yesterday but as she was “too difficult” they refused to examine her at all, let alone look at her nail and stated she’d need sedation which would cost £500. I have insurance but I’d rather not put her through such a stressful situation if it can be avoided. The broken part that was attached yesterday has come off on its own but the nail underneath seems to be splintered and there is a bit of dried blood underneath. What should i do? I’ve been trying to clean it with warm water and epsom salts but she despises water and will most definitely not let me soak her paw in it. I’ve also noticed a nail on her back paw that looks as though the bottom has been ripped off. Theres no bleeding though. Shes otherwise acting normally, doesn't seem to be in pain, no limping and it doesn't seem to be infected either. I’d greatly appreciate any advice as the vet was pretty much useless, didn’t tell me how to care for it or what to watch out for :/
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Can you check her other claws? If it’s just one it sounds like she has accidentally ripped it. It will feel sore to her do keep an eye to make sure it doesn’t get inflamed. You can bathe in warm salt water if she’ll let you.
You can compare her feet to feel the temperature and check it’s not swelling. If she goes off her food or seems lethargic then take her straight to the vets.
I am shocked by your vets reaction to wanting to sedate. You could ask for gabapentin to be prescribed for future vet visits - this can be given in food 2 hours before hand and will lightly calm the cat and usually make them more susceptible to handling and examination. It is strong stuff though depending on the dose so you need to keep an eye on the cat whilst it’s wearing off (they are vulnerable to falling if they try to jump etc).
You can compare her feet to feel the temperature and check it’s not swelling. If she goes off her food or seems lethargic then take her straight to the vets.
I am shocked by your vets reaction to wanting to sedate. You could ask for gabapentin to be prescribed for future vet visits - this can be given in food 2 hours before hand and will lightly calm the cat and usually make them more susceptible to handling and examination. It is strong stuff though depending on the dose so you need to keep an eye on the cat whilst it’s wearing off (they are vulnerable to falling if they try to jump etc).
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It looks like it’s where it has bled. Is it hot to touch? Is it swollen compared to the other one? Will she put her foot down and walk on it? If yes to any of those I would want to take her in for it to be looked at and maybe given a pain killer.
Is your vet open on a Sat am? Perhaps make an app so you have one in hand just in case.
Is your vet open on a Sat am? Perhaps make an app so you have one in hand just in case.
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My instinct would be phone around and see if you can get her seen with another vet. It does seem excessive for an examination. If you speak to another one just tell them she can be seen held with a towel or you would be happy to give her some gabapentin if they can prescribe it to you.
It does look like the mail has ripped off which could be sore but so far doesn’t look angry. Is she eating ok and walking on it ok? ETA walking fine which is good!!
You could also say to the vets you have photos to email too. The original vets obviously don’t think she’s an emergency I agree. I think you need to find a new vet if you can. You can be registered with more than one - just need to give permissions for them to get her records.
It does look like the mail has ripped off which could be sore but so far doesn’t look angry. Is she eating ok and walking on it ok? ETA walking fine which is good!!
You could also say to the vets you have photos to email too. The original vets obviously don’t think she’s an emergency I agree. I think you need to find a new vet if you can. You can be registered with more than one - just need to give permissions for them to get her records.
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