black spots on nails

[Ithilgil]

I've noticed that one of my guinea pigs has black/brown spots on her otherwise clear hind leg nails.

I'm not really sure if they were there a few days ago when I trimmed her nails. I wasn't really paying attention to the colour of their nails that day because I was more focused on holding on her and not cutting her quick. It was my first time cutting her nails.

Sometimes, I get them when I accidentally burst/bruised a capillary underneath my nails. It doesn't hurt at all, but those brown spots should be dried blood. (I could be wrong, but I couldn't think of any other reason why they were there.)

Is it the same with guinea pigs? Are those black/brown spots normal?

I tried to take a picture, but she squirmed too much and my camera phone sucks.

[lemonham]

If it is near the tip of the nail, its probably poop.

[xXMaggieXx]

My pigs get those on the tips because they step in poop.

[Ithilgil]

Yeah, from what I remember it's somewhat near the tip. Thanks.

[spy9doc]

If it doesn't wash off, then it is probably just the markings of your cavy. My little Texel sow has two different colors of front feet: one is dark with black nails, the other is white with clear nails. Makes for a small challenge when cutting nails.