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Education
Feline Declawing
This is a very controversial topic. It is even illegal or considered extremely inhumane in many countries. Before you make your decision as to what is best for your family, we at Parkway Animal Hospital feel that a behavior consult is needed as well as information on declawing alternatives.
Feline declawing or Feline Digital Amputation - "Onychectomy" is not just the removal of the claws, but actually removal of the first set of bones in the feet as well. This means that part of the toe is amputated. There are many complications that can arise from this surgery including pain, infection, nerve damage and even loss of the foot. There is no such thing as a routine declaw.
Since the procedure is an amputation, we do a procedure called a ring black, which deadens the nerves in the feet for up to 12 hours. We also give several injections of pain medications and pain medications for you to give at home. Even with all of these pain measures, recovery can take up to 6 months and some cats may limp occasionally for the rest of their lives. Cats that are declawed may be more likely to develop behavior problems, including biting and urinating.
Scratching is a natural part of a cats behavior. It is normal and healthy. Cats without claws will continue to 'scratch' on surfaces.
Declawing should only be an option when there is a medical reason, either for the cat or for the caretaker. We will do declaws when there is someone in the house who is immune compromised, on blood thinners or has extremely thin skin. Cats recover the quickest when they are young and light.
Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, please make and appointment for a behavior consult with our Doctor.
Please visit the following sites for more information on alternative to declawing
www.vet.ohio-state.edu/4114.htm
www.softpaws.com
This is a very controversial topic. It is even illegal or considered extremely inhumane in many countries. Before you make your decision as to what is best for your family, we at Parkway Animal Hospital feel that a behavior consult is needed as well as information on declawing alternatives.
Feline declawing or Feline Digital Amputation - "Onychectomy" is not just the removal of the claws, but actually removal of the first set of bones in the feet as well. This means that part of the toe is amputated. There are many complications that can arise from this surgery including pain, infection, nerve damage and even loss of the foot. There is no such thing as a routine declaw.
Since the procedure is an amputation, we do a procedure called a ring black, which deadens the nerves in the feet for up to 12 hours. We also give several injections of pain medications and pain medications for you to give at home. Even with all of these pain measures, recovery can take up to 6 months and some cats may limp occasionally for the rest of their lives. Cats that are declawed may be more likely to develop behavior problems, including biting and urinating.
Scratching is a natural part of a cats behavior. It is normal and healthy. Cats without claws will continue to 'scratch' on surfaces.
Declawing should only be an option when there is a medical reason, either for the cat or for the caretaker. We will do declaws when there is someone in the house who is immune compromised, on blood thinners or has extremely thin skin. Cats recover the quickest when they are young and light.
Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, please make and appointment for a behavior consult with our Doctor.
Please visit the following sites for more information on alternative to declawing
www.vet.ohio-state.edu/4114.htm
www.softpaws.com