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Post by kraftjl10 on Jul 31, 2011 2:10:05 GMT
 As I was cutting my guinea pig's nail, I found something extra growing out of her right front paw. This "extra nail" is growing out of the bottom of her foot and curling around to the top. Is this safe for me to cut off, or should I take her to the vet?
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Post by piggylover on Jul 31, 2011 8:12:29 GMT
Sounds like a spur, If you can see where it's growing from take little bits off until you cut it low enough
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Post by Kayleigh on Jul 31, 2011 8:13:07 GMT
If it is indeed an extra toe then your guinea pig has Polydactyly. This just means an extra toe. Blood will go to the toe/nail so do not cut it off. If you want this removed it must be done by a vet. They are usually removed to prevent tearing. It is thought to be caused by inbreeding of guinea pigs. I have a peruvian sow whom i rescues over a year ago and she has this condition on both her back feet. I havent had them removed as she doesnt seem to catch them. I keep them clipped just like all her nails. Heres a great link about guinea pigs feet www.guinealynx.info/feet.htmlKayleigh |
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Post by abbypig on Jul 31, 2011 18:09:59 GMT
It sounds like a spur, I used to have a pig that grew awful ones. It's safe to clip back the bit that feels like soft nail (kind of has a texture like horn) but don't clip too close to the skin because there is blood supply there. Clipping it off totally won't stop it growing back and just causes pain for the pig, I used to leave a couple of millimetres.
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