Swollen Toe With Hard White Lumps After a Torn Nail

A partly torn nail is painful and easily infected, and swelling with hard white lumps and constant licking suggests infection, possibly reaching the bone of the toe or the nail bed. Please have it checked by a vet. A torn nail usually needs the loose part removed and the toe cleaned properly, often with pain relief and antibiotics. Your vet may want an X-ray if the infection seems deep. Rarely, a nail-bed growth can look like this, so an X-ray or sample may be suggested.

If getting him into a car is hard, ask whether your vet or a mobile vet can do a home visit. A ramp or a towel used as a sling under his belly can also help. Until then, keep the foot clean and dry, and use a cone, or a clean sock only while supervised, to stop him licking it. Go sooner if swelling spreads up the foot, he starts limping or he seems unwell.

See why dogs lick their paws.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.