[nagdu] cracked toe nail

[Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire]

Hi, all,
Have no idea how this happened, but Dale and I both noticed today that Odie 
somehow cracked the top middle part of his nail on the fourth toe of his 
left front paw.
I immediately contacted Dog Savvy and spoke with a lady named Emily who was 
able to give me some advice.
One question she had to ask me was if the nail click was exposed and I told 
her that it wasn't exposed.
Emily advised Dale and I to keep an eye on the toe nail that if it were to 
get worse that we should take Odie to Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital 
immediately to have his front left paw wrapped up to avoid stuff getting 
inside the open area of the nail where an infection could start to occur.
Another question I was asked if Odie began to start licking and biting on 
the area and again, I said that he wasn't doing that as of yet.
Emily at Dog Savvy mentioned that I could purchase some wound boots where 
Odie could wear one of the on his left front paw until the nail had a chance 
to heal.
She did mention if Odie had to go to Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital to 
have that looked at, there would be a chance of where they wouldn't charge 
me for assisting me having the paw wrapped up so the nail would have a way 
to heal too.
What can make it rough with Odie at times is that if he's feeling sick or, 
hurt or in pain, he doesn't say too much such as whine, yelp or even display 
it: only if it is minor.
Back when he hurt his right shoulder though, he did actually yelp when he 
put wait down on his right front leg.
Yes, it was hard to keep him in one place and relaxed as he likes to move 
around and not have to be stuck in one place all the time.
Good thing is I still have the Elizabethan Collar which I call it the lamp 
shade so if need be, that will prevent Odie from attempting to mess with 
that open cracked toe nail.
The only thing that can be done is to just leave it alone and try not to do 
anything with it.
I still may send Doctor Alison Kean the veternarian at Harrison Memorial 
Animal Hospital an email and see what she suggests though; just to be on the 
safe side.
I'll be glad and happy once Dale and I are able to get the Dremel nail 
grinding kit so we can still take care of Odie's claws and keep them in 
shape.
Although my our four-legged furry son is large and he does cost a high 
expense, Odie is worth it all and will always be an important member of our 
small family.
I'm hoping that once I get the service dog mess straightened up, I'll be 
able to get another dog.
*Smiles*
Bibi and Odie
the happy spirited bounty labra wolf