03/30/2026
⚠️ Viewer Discretion Advised: Photos contain 🩸, quick/nail pulp, broken nail⚠️
Ok so, I love following The Hoof GP, and after watching at least a million and a half of their videos, I felt like I was part of their team today, and have dubbed myself . 😅 I mean most people would refer to this boy as livestock anyway. , he could also pass for a holstein.
So, much like Graeme Parker, Craigie Boy, new guy Derek, and Cameraman Graeme, tend to cow hooves and have to carful remove thin layers of hoof horn until all the loose horn is removed, I had to gently trim back and re-analyze the best way to remove all the loose and broken nail casing from this boys back foot. Now that it is removed, he will no longer have flexing, pinching, and poking of his quick that cause pain irritation and bleeding.
His Mama noticed it right away and made sure to reach out to foster mama Liz for advice on how to best take care of her boy. Of course I was happy to help anyway that I could. I am not a vet, I cannot diagnose or prescribe, but I definitely can trim nails, provide some pain relief in doing so, and thorough clean the area. Due to the nature of the break debris was able to get under the loose nail and wasn't able to be well cleaned until all the loose nail casing was removed. So, this boy will likely still need a trip to the vet for some antibiotics to stave off any potential infection.
Merrick was so incredibly good through all of it too. Even knowing that toe had to be causing him pain, he laid so still while I took the time to carefully remove what I could while trying to not inflict any additional pain. (cuticle clippers to the rescue!) Afterwards there were lots of treats to be had and I received lots of hugs. I like to think he was greatful and thanking me. 🥰 Now he can really start to heal. After a week or so of some reduced play, and cleaning the body will work to protect the quick while the nail itself takes several weeks/months to regrow and fully encapsule the quick again.
🤔 Now I'm over here thinking I need to step up my game and get a wearable GoPro to record these adventures like The Hoof GP does. Really that's just my ADHD at its finest because realistically, I will likely get too caught up in tending to the feet that I'd forget to even put the camera on and record. 😅 Not to mention, who really wants to watch that kind of stuff? 🫣