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 Declawing has probably become the most
controversial of all the elective surgical procedures commonly performed by veterinarians. While it is normal for cats to scratch things (to mark territory as well as to
condition their claws) this behavior can destroy the bond between an owner and pet cat. Cats, especially adolescent cats, have a tendency to "play rough," scratching their
owners sometimes violently in play. The declaw surgery represents a permanent solution to these problems; however, it is popularly held that a number of adverse conditions result from declawing, that it is a
form of mutilation. Pet owners need to sort out the facts from the rumors surrounding this procedure, as well as understanding all of the options involved.
TRAINING: A NON SURGICAL WAY TO SAVE THE FURNITURE
Scratching is a natural behavior of the cat which makes it very difficult to modify. The usual goal is to transfer the cat's scratching instinct to a scratching post; it is virtually
impossible to control the desire to scratch completely. In general, this kind of training requires a great deal of time at home. The following are training tips:
- Cats seem to prefer to scratch upholstery with a vertical drag to the fabric. Furniture can be upholstered in an unacceptable fabric and a scratching post
can be swathed in an appropriate fabric (rather than the usual carpet).
- Furniture can be made unacceptable by using plastic or even aluminum foil to cover the target pieces. Spray-on antiperspirants can be sprayed on the furniture as a repellent.
- Treats or catnip can be used to attract the cat to the scratching post.
- The cat can be punished for furniture scratching attempts but it is important that the cat not connect the punishment with the person administering it (other wise
the cat will simply learn not to scratch while that person is watching). Yelling, spanking, or shaking a can with pennies in it is too directly associated with with
the person rather than the act of scratching. A water squirt bottle is better but only if the cat does not see where the squirt comes from. Booby traps can be set
up using balloons. If mouse traps are used, it is vital that they be turned upside-down so that the cat cannot possibly catch a foot in the trap. Stacked
traps can be set up so that they pop upward when tripped, making a surprising noise. In this way, punishment can still be carried out when the owner is not at home.
Many owners are not excited about putting mousetraps up against their living room furniture, upholstering in aluminum foil, or decorating sofas and chairs with balloons. It
is easy to see why a surgical solution would be attractive.
NAIL TRIMMING
For some cats, simply keeping the nails short is adequate control but many people do not know how to trim their cat's nails. In fact, the non-pigmented nail of the cat makes it
easy to see where not to cut.
For a full description of this process, visit this external link:
www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/cat_nails.htm
SOFT PAWS®
This is another popular method of controlling a scratching problem. Blunt acrylic nail caps are glued onto the cat's claws. The idea is that the blunt nail will not be sharp enough to cause
damage. The hospital staff will place the first set but after this, the owner has the option of placing the caps him/herself at home.
DECLAW: THE RESCO CLIPPER METHOD
This is probably the most common method used by veterinarians to declaw cats as it is associated with the fastest surgery time. It involves the use of a sterile nail
trimmer to cut through the bone of the third digit of the toe. The cat loses the part of the bone from which the claw grows. The incision is either sewn closed with suture material or closed in surgical glue.
DECLAW: THE DISARTICULATION METHOD
This procedure is a bit more difficult to master as it involves the delicate disconnection of all the tiny ligaments holding the third bone in place. The entire third bone is removed in its entirety.
NEW CONTROVERSY: THE LASER DECLAW
Recently, the “laser declaw” has received a great deal of attention. In this surgery, a laser rather than a scalpel blade is used to disarticulate the third toe bone. Advantages
of laser surgery include virtually no bleeding (during surgery or afterwards), less post-operative pain, and in many cases, no bandages.
So what makes this procedure controversial?
First, there is the cost of the laser equipment: $20,000 - $40,000. To justify such an expense, the laser must be able to generate substantial revenue for the veterinary
hospital. This means that the cost of the laser declaw to the pet owner is likely to exceed the price of the conventional declaw by an additional $50 to $150 dollars.
Second, the issue of operator experience becomes important. Commercial laser machine companies are marketing heavily to the veterinary profession. These companies present
the laser equipment they are trying to sell as being simple to operate, and provide all-day seminars for training. The problem is that a laser is a sophisticated piece of
medical equipment and there is a learning curve involved before it can be utilized perfectly. Complications such as the burning of tissue and delayed healing are more
likely with a less experienced user. Perhaps someday all veterinary schools will have a laser for students to practice on and lasers will be more common in all practices, but for
now it is still a new technology with few experienced users.
If you are interested in the laser declaw (and the extra expense is not a deterrent), be sure to ask your veterinarian how long they have been performing the laser declaw, how
many they have done, and (if possible) visit a recovering patient in the hospital.
The bottom line is that the laser declaw has a great deal to offer but at this time may not be the best choice for every patient.
MYTHS AND RUMORS: WHAT PEOPLE HEAR ABOUT DECLAWING
MYTH #1: AFTER DECLAWING A CAT IS LIKELY TO BECOME FEARFUL OR EXPERIENCE BEHAVIOR CHANGES IMPAIRING AN AFFECTIONATE
RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS OWNER
Numerous scientific studies have been unable to document any behavior changes post-declaw. In fact, in one survey 70% of owners of declawed cats reported an
improved relationship with their cat after the procedure.
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MYTH #2: A DECLAWED CAT CANNOT CLIMB TREES
Declawed cats are not as effective at climbing trees as cats with claws but declawing does not prevent tree climbing.
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MYTH #3: A DECLAWED CAT CANNOT CATCH PREY
Declawed cats are not as effective at catching prey as cats with claws but declawing does not prevent effective hunting.
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MYTH #4: A DECLAWED CAT HAS LOST ITS ABILITY TO DEFEND ITSELF AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED OUTSIDE
This one is actually true. Without claws a cat has indeed lost an important part of its
defense system. The Mar Vista Animal Medical Center feels strongly that declawed cats should be housed indoors only.
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MYTH #5: DECLAWED CATS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BITE SINCE THEY CAN NO LONGER CLAW
Declawed cats do not seem to realize they have no claws. They will continue to scratch ineffectively as if they did not know the difference. Studies have shown no increased
biting tendency after declawing.
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MYTH #6: THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD INVOLVES TREMENDOUS PAIN
The declawed cat will indeed have sore feet after surgery. The larger the cat, the more the discomfort and reluctance to bear weight. Pain relievers are often prescribed.
However, this recovery period should not last longer than a week or so. Healing should be complete by two weeks.
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MYTH #7: A DECLAWED CAT WILL NOT USE A LITTER BOX AGAIN
It is very important that litter not get impacted in the declaw incisions during the recovery period. Shredded paper is the usual recommendation during recovery and
some cats simply will not use shredded paper. The recycled newspaper litters are an excellent alternative. The only litter problem one might expect would be lack of
acceptance of a new litter during the recovery period. Declawed cats do not loose their litterbox instinct.
TENDONECTOMY: A SURGICAL ALTERNATIVE TO DECLAWING
This surgical procedure is gaining popularity with owners who are concerned about the recovery period with a conventional declaw. Here, a ligament is cut on the underside of
each toe to prevent grasping motions. The claws remain but the cat cannot extend them.
The August 1, 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reports a study to compare the long and short term complicatations of
tendonectomy vs. those of traditional declaw. Owner satisfaction with both procedures was also measured. While cats who received the tendonectomy showed signifcantly
lower pain scores immediately post operatively, both procedures showed an equal frequency of other complications (bleeding, lameness, and infection). The number of
days it took for a cat to walk normally again was not different between the declawed cats and the tendonectomy cats. There was no significant difference between the
percentage of owners satisfied with declaw versus the percentage of owners satisfied with tendonectomy
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The most important thing in making a claw management decision
is making a decision that you are happy with.
There are positives and negatives with each procedure.
If you have further questions do not hesitate to bring them up
to your veterinarian, or send eMail by clicking below.
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