black mini-rex toenails crusting

Question
I own a 8 month old black mini-rex.  A few of his toe-nails in the last month or so have developed a brown, sand-colored bumpy crust on his black nails.  I don't know if they are infected or if it will break off. It's only the front nails.  I don't recall it appearing after a nail trim, but it's a possibility.  I thought it was litter clumped on his nails, as it is the same color, but it doesn't seem to want to seperate from his nail.

Answer
Toe-nails are very tricky in mini rex as they have to be the exact correct color to show.  They very well could have just changed colors believe me, it happens a lot.  I have had blue's with beautiful showable toenails and then a month or 2 later they are all different shades.  

The crustiness bothers me a little bit.  I don't imagine that they could be infected.  You could either let them grow and see if they just grow out, or try something called Furall(Furazolidone) Aerosol powder.  It is an antibiotic ointment made specifically for horses but works wonders on rabbits with sores.  You can purchase it at and tractor supply store for around $10.  I personally recommend and rabbit breeder have a supply on hand.  Just make sure that the medicine contains 4% furall, anything stronger might be dangerous.  

Also don't cut the nails and see if the clumps grow out on their own.  If they grow to the point where they can be cut then give them a trim and see what happens.

I hope this will help you and if you have any further questions please let me know.

Thanks

Pam