Chin with bloody toe; most likely bitten

[teambayern]

During play time, I saw Chip and Scout have a small incident where they ran into each other, and Scout nipped at Chip while Chips hands/front paws were in front of his body. I then noticed that Chip wasn't extending his right front paw to the ground as much. I got him in my arms and found that he was putting weight on it, but that on the inside of his first toe, between the first and the second, there was redness and blood. There is no substantial blood loss (any bleeding has stopped), and my best guess is that Scout just caught Chip's paw when he nipped at him, but it's tough to tell because he's keeping that paw close to his chest. He's still holding it close to his chest right now, but he has put it down and ran in the wheel once, so I don't think it's broken.

From what I've been reading on here, it seems like some say these injuries are so common I should just try to soak it in epsom salts or get some blu-kote and others say take him to the vet for some pain meds and a checkup. I'm more than happy to take him to the vet, but want to make sure i don't let some inexperienced ER guy give him dangerous or unnecessary meds. What should I do?

 

[RDZCRanch]

I would put a little blu-kote on it since you say there isn't much bleeding...if any. Toe wounds are not a major injury, so I wouldn't worry about going to the vet unless it gets infected. The blu-kote should prevent that from happening. Good luck!

 

[Laurie]

I don't think it's necessary to take him to the vet for a toe or finger bite. These things usually heal just fine on their own. I would go with blu-kote but not epsom salts. Really blu-kote is most likely not necessary. Just make sure the blood is dried from the toe and I'm sure he'll be back on his feet in no time. I have a chin who lost fingers to a cage mate and it was really a minor injury--broke my heart though as I'm sure it does yours with your boy.

 

[starleomach]

I have many chinchillas here missing fingers and toes. First thing to go in a squabble, especially one through cage bars. Not a big deal, clean it and watch for infection 99.9% of the time everything is fine

 

[Megan]

Agreed, no need for a vet unless it's infected or you see bone.

I would simply rinse it with some Betadine if you have it at the house, if not throw some blu-kote on and let him go. He'll be fine

 

[mishellyshel]

i have a few chins that have come to me with missing toes.

my first instinct would be to get a warm moist paper towel and wipe the blood and see how bad. than if necessary go with the blu kote. keep it clean until it heals. and only if you see signs of infection would i take him to the vet.

 

[teambayern]

Thank you so much for all of your responses! Unfortunately, I can't find blu-kote anywhere; not pet stores, not even my vet's pharmacy carries it. I guess I'll know to have this on hand for next time. In the mean time, I'm just going to have him hold it in warm water and clean it out that way. Then keep a close eye on it.

If anyone has any idea where I could pick up some blu-kote this weekend, or has anything else they suggest, I appreciate it. Thanks again.

 

[Silverrose]

Have you tried a feed store near you? Where are you located? We can help you find one if we know your general area.

 

[teambayern]

I live in Cambridge, MA , just outside of Boston. I don't think there are any feed stores nearby, but I will search for one.


EDIT: found one 30 min away, but they wouldn't even answer the phone.

 

[mishellyshel]

you would be surprised how many feed stores are around. these are just the ones that carry purina in your zip code:

http://purinamills.com/DealerLocator.aspx?SearchType=Z&ZipCode=02140

 

[tunes]

Tractor Supply Company carries it. That's the type of feed store that Sumiko is referring too. If you have something like that around, you should be able to find it.

If you don't have the Blu-Kote, then the Betadine would work or a soak in epsom salts and warm water.

 

[teambayern]

Tractor Supply Company carries it. That's the type of feed store that Sumiko is referring too. If you have something like that around, you should be able to find it.

If you don't have the Blu-Kote, then the Betadine would work or a soak in epsom salts and warm water.

Thanks Tunes. I can find Betadine easily, so I will use that for now. I will be sure to stock up on some blukote for next time though.