NAIL RIPPED OUT!

Question
My husband and I have been grooming our babies every few days to make sure their nails are not split or too long, however while at work today one of my babies Baxter got his nail caught on a very thin string and in a hurry to get to the litter box, he ripped his nail out completely! He dragged his bloody paw (leaving a trail of evidence) to the litter box, did his business and went back to bed. He is eating, drinking, playing and doesn't appear to be in pain (my tough little guy)... it is no longer bleeding and we cleaned the wound. We have never had a nail be completely ripped out in all the years we have had ferrets and were wondering if the nail will ever grow back?

Answer
My, your Baxter is a tough little guy!  I don't think I'd just go back to bed if that happened to me.  Ouch!

Nails are very resilient structures.  Unless the root of the nail has been completely torn off, it is likely the nail will regrow in the next few months.  Even if it does not, he will heal completely from this incident and live a happy and normal life of causing more trouble!

One thing to consider is infection.  You might want to consider bringing him to your vet for a run of antibiotics just in case. Although loosing a nail is not life threating, a bad infection because of one can be.  

You did an excellent job about not freaking out.  I work in an emergency clinic, and so often owners rush in their pets due to a bleeding toenail.  Not exactly an emergency situation, but I suppose any owner would be concerned.  Good job!

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.  Good luck with Baxter!

-Cindy P.