I have mentioned numerous time before on this blog that D and I think we have the most skittish Golden Retriever in the world. Vacuum cleaners, paper bags, boxes... you name it and it will probably freak her out. I don't know why or how Luna has become this way, but I really do believe that because we sheltered her indoors as a young pup (per Vet's orders because during the time in Virginia there was a nasty case of Distemper floating around our area), this may have affected her in some way.

Anyways, back to my story here.

For the past two weeks I have been busy moving our household belongings from one floor the other. The house is a mess, and things are out of order and in the way. Our broom, which had been leaning up against the wall, fell to the floor (just as Luna was passing by) making a loud crashing noise. Luna did her usual skittish dash on the floor and managed to break off her dew claw. I noticed it right away as blood is quite noticeable on blonde fur. She wasn't limping, and didn't really seem to notice her injury. I on the other had, saw that her nail was dangling to the side and barely holding on to the root. I had a little freak out moment as I knew the nail had to come off. I carefully examined the nail, and decided that it could be pulled off easily. I then counted to three, and *YANK* - there it went. The bleeding wasn't all that bad, not like before when I managed to accidently cut her quick... my poor girl! I stopped the bleeding by applying a little pressure to her leg with a wrap, then washed her foot with warm water and treated her nail with alcohol. She was fine after that!

I have since then Googled as much as I could about dogs and broken toe nails and when is it actually necessary to go to the vet when something like this happens. I can tell you that if this had not happened at eight o'clock at night (when most vets offices are closed) and the nail appeared to be worse off than it was, I probably would have taken Luna to see Dr. B. Most reputable online forums say that a visit to the vet's office is usually a good thing as infection can sometimes happen depending on how badly the quick is damaged. I have also read that if any swelling, reddening, or odor is evident, a vet visit is in order. I have been checking Luna's claw every morning and evening, and it seems to be doing just fine!