Clipping nails?

[paul2641]

Ok I don't know exactly were to put this so here I go, Can rabbits get ingrown toenails? Because I hate clipping nails so I try and avoid clipping them. But Rogers have gotten really long so I will be cutting his tomorrow. Just how often should they be clipped? There not curling yet but I'm scared they might start. I'm going to clip everyones nails tomorrow.

 

[dquesnel]

I haven't ever seen an ingrown toenail in a rabbit, but if they get long they can certainly break or rip out, which is painful for the rabbit.

You can actually clip quite a bit off the nail. You will see the quick (blood vein) at the base of the nail in light nails, and avoid cutting into that. Dark nails are harder to see, but with a flashlight you can usually see the quick.

Here is a great link with photos/videos:

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12075&forum_id=17

I honestly give my guys a little trim once a week. I handle then at least that often as they get more patient with it. Some rabbits are very hard to handle, and for those buns a trim once every 60 days is the minimum I'd suggest.

 

[naturestee]

Not all rabbits' nails will curl, but even if they grow straight out they can push on the toes and make them very uncomfortable. I've seen some rabbits at the shelterwith permanently misshapen toes due to this. Dew claws are usually the most likely to curl around and grow back into the skin and it's really hard to cut them when they're near that point. Thankfully I haven't had to deal with any that were completely into the skin yet but that should get taken care of by a vet.

Clipping nails really isn't that bad with most rabbits. You just need practice and confidence! Check out the info in the Library link Dquesnel posted, and get a second person to help you if you need to.

 

[paul2641]

Well my new bun Savannah has has pitch black nails so that really is scary. I worry so much when it comes to anything with my rabbits. I just wouldn't be confident enough to really clip them. But I'll try tomarrow. Suki has only been done once since we got her in october. I will have to do her tomarrow. Roger has been done about 3 times and his are quiet long. It will be a must to clip nails tomorrow.

 

[naturestee]

Have someone shine a flashlight through the dark nails. The quick (blood vein) will show through.

 

[Flick]

There are 2 videos about clipping rabbit nails, here.

http://www.youtube.com/user/FastUpOnRabbitCare

Both rabbits are mine and I assure you they are NOT as calm as they seem to be in these videos.

 

[tonyshuman]

Another thing to remember is that the longer the nail gets, the longer the quick will get. By that I mean that if the nail is not cut for a long time, the quick will be longer and when you do cut it you can't cut it as short as if you cut it regularly. Longer nails=more chance of tearing it.

 

[celineki]

I have not cut my rabbit's nails before and she is 5 1/2 months ... i tried it the other time, and i think i was more stressed out then she is.. :X i only managed to cut like 0.001mm on her hind legs.. and that was enough for me.. i actually got a headache from it. lol..

she just got spayed recently.. will take her for grooming once she gets well enough. that won't be too long for the nail cut right??

 

[kherrmann3]

Also, if you're nervous or worried about nipping the quick, have some clotting powder for pet nails on hand. I don't go out and get the expensive stuff. I just use plain flour. If I know that somebun's nails are going to be difficult (or birds nails, hamster nails, etc.) I will set up a little dish of flour next to me. If you nip the quick, just pinch up some flour, and pinch it over the bleeding area. I find that it helps to put gentle pressure on the nail with the flour (just keep gently pinching the flour on). It stops little nips pretty fast.

 

[paul2641]

kherrmann3 wrote:

Also, if you're nervous or worried about nipping the quick, have some clotting powder for pet nails on hand. I don't go out and get the expensive stuff. I just use plain flour. If I know that somebun's nails are going to be difficult (or birds nails, hamster nails, etc.) I will set up a little dish of flour next to me. If you nip the quick, just pinch up some flour, and pinch it over the bleeding area. I find that it helps to put gentle pressure on the nail with the flour (just keep gently pinching the flour on). It stops little nips pretty fast.

I clipped nails last week but I will have a bag of flour next to be from now on.