cutting rabbits nails to close/causing bleeding

Question
I trimmed my rabbits nails and I cut one way to close.  It wouldn't stop bleeding after holding pressure.  I put the constarch on and it looked like it was starting to slow down but it still is bleeding. Do I need to run to the vet or can I just keep reapplying the cornstarch?

Answer
Hi Charlotte,

cornstarch can be used, along with direct pressure.  Basically putting the cornstarch on your fingertip and pressing the fingertip onto te bleeding nail.

A better thing to have around is called 'styptic powder' or 'styptic gel'.  It is specially designed to help coagulate the blood and also is an antiseptic, so that infection won't set in.

The bleeding should stop within minutes.  You should not have togo to the vet, unless you want them to do a 'safety check' and make sure the nail is okay.

If your guy has darker nails, you can use a small flashlight to backlight his nails so you see the quick (blood supply - red line in the middle of the nail) and can cut in front of it.  We have three guys I always have to do this with.

Lee