Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i've noticed Amon has a problem with his nail...it turned around and i think it's beggining to grow in the wrong direction...
i think i'm not ready to cut his nails, should i take him to the vet or will he solve this problem in his own??
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1.0.0 Ball python (Oz)
0.0.1 Hardwicki Uro (Amon)
0.1.0 Black cat (Tomika)

Do you mean that it's growing in a curl? Or that something more drastic is wrong. Your vet would likely trim the nails for you if they're just too long. You can look here or here if you would like more information on how to do it yourself. This info is for iguanas, but the principle is the same.

After the claws are trimmed, you can help him keep his nails worn down by giving him several rocks with rough texture in his cage. This will wear the tips down naturally.

If it's something more severe than just being too long, can you post a picture? Maybe someone will have ideas if they can see.
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Uromastyx geyri (Joe and Arthur)
3.0 Uromastyx dispar maliensis (Tank, Turtle, and Spike)
1.0 Uromastyx ornata (Scuttlebutt)
2.1 Anolis carolinensis (Bowser, Sprocket, and Leeloo)
0.1 African dwarf frog (Sheila)
1.0 Betta splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

Have you noticed a change in his walking motion? Is he holding up the problem nail so it doesn't touch the ground, or he avoids walking on it altogether? If this is the case, you'll need to take him to the vet. Ra had once split his claw right down the middle and kept holding that particular toe up because it would hurt him to walk on it (it kind of looked like he was giving me the finger ). I went to see the vet and he basically had to rip the nail out, cauterize it, and leave Ra to grow a new one. Soon after I took him home, Ra realized his toe didn't hurt anymore and was using it normally again. The nail has since grown back.

Some pics would help if you can get them. Good luck with Amon.
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1.1 Mali Uromastyx (Ra and Isis)
1.1 Satanic Leaftail Geckos (Diablo and Samael)

If you are sure it is just a too long toenail growing in a circle, you can try to find a dog groomer who would be willing to cut it. They charge a lot less than vets. If you think it is a medical problem, by all means see your vet. This problem is common if there are no rough surfaces to wear the nails down. It is seen in dogs and birds all of the time. Good luck!

Pam