Bloody nails?!?!?!

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Epilogue

Boxer Pal
Hi everybody :) I just noticed what may be an unusual symptom in Capone. At the base of about half his nails there appears to be some internal bleeding if you will. There is a deep red color and its not the quick from what I can tell. He has all white feet so the nails are transparent. Has anybody ever seen this before? He's 11 months and not showing any other troubling symptoms....
He has a vet appointment in 2 days for "the big snip snip" so I plan on bringing it up then but in the meantime I was curious what ya'll thought about that?????
 

Althea

Completely Boxer Crazy
My white boxers have always had clear nails, and sometimes they got a red tinge. It was usually from dirt. So I'm not sure what your situation is, but that is a possibility.
 

BoxerMoments

Super Boxer
I don't know if this is the same thing but a few months ago we noticed on all of Dakota's nails the part closed to his foot had all turned darker. Not solid black and it's only goes down 1/2 the nail or less and like I said it's all of this nails (with the exception of the two that were completely black to begin with). He's never acted like his feet bother him and it's hasn't changed since we noticed it. He went for his check up about a month and a half ago and the vet didn't say anything about it but I also forgot to bring it up. If you can post a picture would be better so that people can get an idea of exactly what you're talking about.
 

gmacleod

Elusive Moderator
Staff member
A picture would be very useful, if you can upload one :)

Many boxers nails become a sort of rusty red colour near the base - which could look rather a lot like dried blood inside the nail. Of course, this is only visible on the clear nails of white feet, not on the black nails of coloured feet. As for what causes it - the only explanation ever given that I can recall was one vet who claimed it was fungus related (other people's vets have not given a cause). Whatever the cause is, the good news is that it does them no harm. There isn't really any way of getting rid of the red colour though - except perhaps for dremmeling it off every so often if it bothers you, which seems to work pretty well. Does this sound like what your dog has?
 

Epilogue

Boxer Pal
Sorry, my grandparents are using my digital camera for the next week so a photo isnt possible at the moment. It COULD be dirt I suppose but it doesnt seem to be accessible. As for the "red ting", thats certainly a possibility. Im gonna bring it up to the vet tomorrow before he gets fixed and see what he thinks. If it turns out to be an issue I will certainly report back w/ photos in the hopes of helping others.
I havent read up on the topics recently, I assume Acepromazine (sp?) is still not recommended? I plan on making sure the vet doesnt use it, regardless of any higher fee's. I wasnt sure if there was new research released in the past few months that contradicted that or not. Why take any chances though?
His feet doesnt bother him at all, even when I apply pressure to the nail so I cant imagine its anything too serious but like I said, I'll report back :)
 

Althea

Completely Boxer Crazy
Yes, avoid Ace! I had a hard time finding a vet who would swear not to use it, so you may want to call ahead. A few of the ones I called didn't have anything else (these were clinics). Hope all goes well!
 

LILYLARUE

Boxer Insane
I was told by my vet that those stains are from something in their saliva that stains the nail. It is harmless. Many dogs will get those same type of stains from their tears and around the mouth where they would drool.

So funny that every vet has a opinion and a diagnosis of the same weird thing on a dog. You would think that such common things would be taught in vet school and every client would get the same, correct answer to the cause. LOL

This is why I love BW so much!!! Everyone seems to have had the experience before and can give an opinion. Thankfully in this case.....everyone's opinion comes to the same conclusion.....nothing to worry about.

I would broach your vet about it and then let us know what his conclusion is!

AND NEVER, EVER, NEVER ALLOW THEM TO USE ACE FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER!!! It just a risk no one should take when so many options are available.
 

gmacleod

Elusive Moderator
Staff member
So funny that every vet has a opinion and a diagnosis of the same weird thing on a dog. You would think that such common things would be taught in vet school and every client would get the same, correct answer to the cause. LOL

I suspect the cause isn't really known, but speculated on (no big deal really, since it's cosmetic only). In any case, no vet has yet seemed to be able to suggest a cure!
 
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