A common behavior problem of cats housed indoors is destructive scratching. Although behavior modification might provide a remedy early in life, in adult cats other corrective measures are frequently undertaken. We hope to provide you with information on the classical declawing procedure used by our office, as well as offer to you a couple of other alternatives to this procedure.
CLASSICAL DECLAW:
This surgical procedure involves the amputation of the last bone and claw, usually from the front feet only. The skin edges are sutured together, and a tight bandage is placed on the feet for 24 hours. After that time period, the bandages are removed and the cat is released from our office. Once at home, shredded paper should be used in his/her litter box for 7 to 10 days. This is to prevent any litter (gravel) from being introduced into the surgery sites. The sutures are of the absorbable nature and do not require removal at a later date.
Cats will require approximately 7-10 days of convalescence; and after that time he/she should be virtually normal. Few complications are seen if the technique and aftercare are performed properly.
Two possible complications are future regrowth (if not removed totally) and wound infection.
At many clinics an antibiotic injection is given to all surgical patients at the conclusion of surgery. This is done as a special precaution against any potential infections.
This procedure can be performed any time after 3 months of age.
If you have any further questions about this procedure, or if you feel it is right for you and your cat, please contact your veterinarian's office for further assistance.
TENECTOMY DECLAW:
This relatively new procedure is being practiced as an alternative to the "classical" declaw technique.
When at rest, a cat's claws are retracted into the sheath of skin surrounding the digits. This retraction is caused by the pull of a ligament on the top of the last digit and claw (a). If a cat is to extend its claws (as in the scratching process), this pull must be overcome by the tendon on the bottom of the last digit and claw (b). This tendon is called the deep digital flexor (b).
In the tenectomy procedure, this bottom tendon is cut (2). Once this is done, the top ligament maintains the claw in the sheath and the cat can no longer extend its claws to scratch. Since the claws have not been removed and will continue to grow, they must be trimmed on a regular basis to prevent overgrowth. The frequency of trimmings may range from once monthly to once yearly depending on the individual cat. Aftercare is similar to the classical declaw. The convalescence period is approximately 3 days.
This procedure is somewhat less traumatic on the cat. However, if the owner is not willing to do the follow-up nail trimmings, then this surgery is not a recommendation for your particular needs.
If you have any further questions about this procedure or if you feel it is right for you and your cat, please contact your veterinarian's office for further assistance.
SOFT PAWS:
This is the technique of bonding a soft plastic cover over the nail itself to prevent contact between the nail and the surface to be scratched. These pre-formed plastic caps are packaged (20 soft paws, bonding adhesive, and applicator per each package) ready for use. Once glued into place, they will remain on for approximately 4 weeks before replacement is necessary. They also come in clear or a variety of colors and are available for dogs as well.
If you have any further questions about Soft Paws or if you feel you would like to try them on your cat, please contact your veterinarian's office for further assistance. They will gladly apply the caps and show you how so that you and your family can apply them in the future.
We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your veterinarian's office, or feel free to e-mail us.
David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic,
PC
