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Why does my dog's paw nail look like a bone is sticking out?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 4 years and 10 months old | 85 lbs

My 5 year old golden retriever's right back paw's inside toe appears to have a bone protruding between the claw and the pad.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2017

That is what is known as the quik of the nail. It the sensitive portion that contains the nerves and blood supply. The nail have been broken and the protective shell has been separated from the quik. It is painful and can bleed a lot. Typically they have to be sedated and have the quick trimmed back so it will not be exposed further and be painful to allow the nail to regrow.

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