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Rabbits claws

22 11:25:06

Question
I found my rabbit this morning and he had a claw fall out and his paw was bleeding.  Is this something I need to take him to the vet for or will it grow back.  How should I care for him?  Thanks.

Andrea Curtis

Answer
Dear Andrea,

Sometimes a bunny can snag a nail on his cage or carpet--especially if the claws are too long and too sharp.  This is why it's important to keep them well trimmed.

I would rinse the broken nail bed with a dilute solution of povidone iodine (Betadine), 1 part iodine to about 5 parts lukewarm, clean water.  Rinse well, and keep the paw clean.  Check daily for any sign of swelling or redness, which could mean infection.  If you see that, you can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

This isn't uncommon, and usually there are no complications.  The nail should grow back uneventfully.  But it's smart to keep an eye out for infection, just in case.

I hope this helps.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana