Nail changing color?

[TossBranAbi]

One of Abbie's toenails is changing color. It was white and is turning dark red/brown. It started up at the beginning of the nail and is slowly going down towards the tip. It doesn't bother her.

What could it be? I was thinking yeast infection but she isn't chewing on her feet or anything.

 

[gmacleod]

Hard to know the cause - but it's extremely common. Probably a couple of hundred posts on the forums over the years. In a few, respective vets have declared it to be a fungus, but a harmless one.

In any case, it doesn't seem to bother the dog. Some people remove it at intervals via dremmeling.

 

[harlie'smom]

All three of mine have this also but not on all nails, especially my youngest. He is my most active and loves to pounce on all his toys. I just thought it was bruising this whole time. Ill have to ask my vet.

 

[TossBranAbi]

Thanks for replying. I just was a bit concerned because I had never seen it before and wanted to make sure it wasn't anything serious. I didn't think it was but just wanted to get a second opinion. Thanks again.

 

[argosrocks]

mine did the same thing,at around 4months old,he was skidding across a frozen lake and i thought he bruised one,then the following week,another,well hes 18 months old now and just about every one of his nails are similar in color,that is bruised looking or purplish ,red in color near the base and at the end white or opaque,i think its just normal,my vet says not to worry,unless it causes noticeable discomfort,which it has never done,so i wouldnt worry .

 

[Ritzertboys]

Good to know, since this is happening to Otis too!

 

[Kalliegirl]

My Kallie had the same thing it is just on the very surface of her nail. When she was young all of her nails were white. As she got older i noticed some of her front ones discoloring, now she has a few on her back feet too. I use a dremmel to trim her nails, so when i do that i just buzz the outside of her nail really lightly and it takes it right off. I dont know what causes it but it doesnt seem to bother her at all. I do it more for cosmetic reasons.

 

[harlie'smom]

I use a dremmel to trim her nails, so when i do that i just buzz the outside of her nail really lightly and it takes it right off.

Never thought about that, thats a good idea. Mine are getting a trim tonight so ill try that out.

 

[kgzehoviak]

Discoloration

I just asked my vet on Friday about this because Santo has one nail that is doing this. They told me it is a discoloration of the nail bed, and there is nothing to be concerned about.

 

[TossBranAbi]

Thanks again for the replies. I use a dremel too so the next time I trim, I will try what was suggested above. Glad to hear it is nothing to worry about.