TL;DR: An exposed quick is a painful injury caused by a torn nail that typically requires a veterinary visit within 24 hours to manage pain and prevent bone infection.
What is an exposed quick on a dog's nail?
A dog's nail is composed of a hard outer shell made of keratin and a sensitive inner core known as the quick. The quick contains a rich supply of blood vessels and nerves. When a nail is torn, split, or ripped off entirely, this vascular tissue is exposed. Because the quick is directly attached to the bone of the toe, an injury here is significantly more painful than a simple skin scrape and often results in profuse bleeding.
Is an exposed quick or torn nail a veterinary emergency?
- The urgency level for a ripped nail is Medium; while it is rarely life-threatening, it is a painful injury that requires prompt attention.
- You should aim to see a veterinarian within 24 hours.
- Professional care is necessary to remove any dangling nail fragments safely, manage pain with appropriate pet-safe medications, and prevent a secondary infection from reaching the bone.
How does sending a photo help a veterinarian triage my dog's injury?
- High-quality images allow a professional to determine if the nail plate is still partially attached.
- Photos help evaluate the level of inflammation and check for signs of existing infection.
- This information helps your veterinary team decide if your dog needs to be seen immediately or if the injury can be managed at home until a scheduled appointment.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
First aid for a torn nail with an exposed quick involves controlling active bleeding with direct pressure. In cases of severe arterial bleeding, a pneumatic cuff should be used instead of a tourniquet, inflated until hemorrhage is controlled, to avoid neurovascular complications.
Chapter: Surgery, Orthopedics, Integument
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1079)