Operation soft paws for cats or declawing

The “soft paws” procedure is a surgical procedure performed to remove claws. Together with them, the surgeon also removes the growth zone. It is advisable to resort to manipulation for pet owners who constantly tear up furniture, and scratching posts do not help at all. The operation can also be performed in a situation where the animal is overly aggressive and strives to scratch the owner at any opportunity.

General information

Onychectomy is not just “cutting the cat’s claws forever”, it is more like amputating the phalanges of the paws.

There are several options for performing the operation:

1. Surgical declawing of a cat using a scalpel and scissors under general or local anesthesia.
2. Modern method of declawing using laser.
3. Separation of connections between tendons and claws. As a result, the cat’s claws will not grow, or, on the contrary, they will grow too quickly, which happens extremely rarely.

Upon completion of the operation, the animal is injected with painkillers and sent home.

TIP: The best age at which the paws will heal as quickly as possible is considered to be up to 1 year, but not less than 8-9 months. At a younger age, they are not yet fully formed, but after that, the nails are already harder.

Pros

The Soft Paws procedure does not benefit cats; declawing only benefits owners. Without the main weapon, the ability to mark territory by tearing wallpaper, flooring, and furniture is lost. The claws do not cling to clothes, do not accidentally dig into the legs or shoulder when you take the cat in your arms or sit on your knees.

Removal of the phalanges is resorted to before the birth of a child or shortly after the birth of the baby. Parents are worried that the pet will cause injury to the newborn. Onychectomy is considered when children perceive a pet as a toy - this is easier than a long explanation of why you can’t pull a cat’s whiskers.

The advantage of declawing is the prevention of many diseases - herpes, toxoplasmosis, chlamydia, fungal infections. This is on par with the myth of warts after contact with a toad. If you delve into the topic, the absurdity is obvious. But many believe unconditionally, ignoring scientific arguments.

For example, cat scratch fever is a Bartonella infection. The bacteria are found in the saliva, urine, tear fluid and other secretions of the carrier cat. For a person to get sick, he must have low immunity. But a scratch is not necessary - bacteria still enter the bloodstream through microcracks in the skin.

Advantages and disadvantages of declawing cats

It doesn't take long to remove a cat's claws. But are there any advantages from this? Yes, I have. This is the impossibility of damaging furniture and the absence of scratches on the skin of household members.

But the disadvantages include a number of points:

• anesthesia is not just a dream, but stress for the body;
• the animal is in great pain for a very long time after the operation. The pain is dulled with various painkillers, which is also considered an intervention in the body;
• the phalanx may grow back and require repeated surgery;
• This is real stress for a cat, which not every animal experiences without consequences.
• a cat without claws is defenseless, and any trip outside can end in disaster;
• as a result of onychectomy and a feeling of vulnerability, the pet may use its teeth;
• the pet’s character changes, it may become withdrawn;
• Difficulties with the toilet: sometimes cats refuse to go to the litter box due to the inability to rake;
• the animal will never step on the entire foot completely again in its life, which affects its gait.

Therefore, maybe it’s worth thinking about other options for protecting furniture from cat scratches?

Arguments

Heated debates regarding velvet paw surgery arise based on arguments for and against the intervention. The fact is that all statements in favor of the operation sound a little cynical; after all, you don’t have to get a cat if it brings so much inconvenience.

What are owners guided by when resorting to onychectomy? In fact, every cat owner gives one of the following four arguments:

• There are small children in the house.
• The cat was showing aggression.
• Fear of injury and infection.
• Fears about damage to furniture.

Opponents of velvet paws never tire of insisting that there are alternatives to each item, which are not always convenient for the cat, but there are. There are many more negative consequences and risks. The truth is that all possible risks can be divided into obligatory and probable.

Consequences that cannot be avoided, even if the operation is performed at an early age:

• After declawing and a period of rehabilitation, the cat learns to walk again, but it will never be able to confidently jump and run.
• While walking at a normal pace, the cat will fall, especially if the flooring is slippery.
• The animal's gait changes, which over time leads to unnatural abrasion of the joints and problems with the musculoskeletal system.
• The cat stops playing, which is detrimental to the psyche of naturally active four-legged animals.
• While eating, four-legged animals often take out pieces of meat with their paws; after removing the claws, the cat will not be able to do this.
• If the claws on the front paws are removed, the animal stops washing itself, or rather, it will not be able to wash itself fully.
• When claws are removed from the hind and front paws, the cat will not be able to scratch itself, and the obsessive itching leads to irritability and increasing stress.

Once declawed, lost skills cannot be regained, even if you intentionally train your cat. The tailed one feels inferior and defenseless, and it behaves accordingly.

Lately, more and more people are deciding to shelter adult cats that were abandoned by their previous owners, that is, they are getting animals whose claws were previously removed. It is important for such owners to know and understand the pros and cons of the procedure, since all the consequences will appear sooner or later.

The cat experiences pain when walking and after surgery. So-called phantom pain can bother the animal for life or for several years after declawing. There are no methods or therapy for this disease; people are treated experimentally, animals are not treated at all.

Impaired coordination and neurological disorders are the most obvious and disastrous consequences, leading to fearfulness and constant nervousness of the animal. Due to atrophy of the paw muscles and a feeling of defenselessness, most animals develop aggression towards all living things. Do not forget that a cat, in addition to claws, has teeth, and if you decide to take a cat after an onychectomy in order to protect the child from scratches... you are feeding the wrong motives.

Complications after surgery

Declawing is a very complex procedure from a surgical point of view. When all phalanges of the fingers are removed, the risk of complications is almost 100%. There are more than 20 types of complications that are likely to occur; below are only the most statistically common ones.

The consequences of anesthesia are onychectomy, this is a long operation where the surgeon needs to choose: rush and spare the animal’s heart or take his time and perform the procedure as carefully as possible. Most often, the doctor is inclined to the second option, which leads to an increase in the dose of anesthesia.

The medicine “under which” the cat sleeps is in any case a drug, that is, a toxin. Any drug is harmful to the functioning of the heart, liver and kidneys. If the operation is carried out for medical reasons, not all of the cat’s claws are removed, that is, the operation does not last long and the effect of anesthesia is not so dangerous. Conclusion: the risks associated with such a lengthy operation are not worth even the hypothetical benefits.

Before performing an onychectomy, the cat must be examined for cardiac, renal and liver failure! The operation is contraindicated in animals with neurological disorders unless life-saving is involved.

Having chosen the speed of the operation as a priority, the surgeon cannot guarantee the quality and here a new complication arises - suppuration after suturing wounds , re-growth of claws, damage to nerve nodes. All three consequences are unbearable pain and a negative impact on the animal’s psyche and immune system. Re-growth of claws obliges the owner to undergo repeated surgery after a period of rehabilitation or doom the pet to pain for the rest of its life.

Almost always, after surgery, the sutures come apart . Since the paws are very mobile, open wounds on them bleed heavily and take a long time to heal. With such a complication, there are two options: wait and hope, or re-introduce the cat into anesthesia to close the broken sutures.

After surgery, the cat must wear tight bandages on all paws. Experience shows that animals are very resistant and simply chew through the protective covers. In addition, the tailed one is scared and in pain, and the stitches itch. As soon as the cat rips off the bandage, it begins to chew the threads, which opens the stitches and causes an infection. The consequence is purulent inflammation of the sutures, which need to be re-wrapped in a bandage. Simply put, one finger festers, it is wrapped up - the infection spreads to all fingers.

Purpose of Cat Declawing Procedure

In most cases, owners decide to remove cat claws because the animal begins to damage interior items. Agree, not everyone can accept the loss of their favorite leather sofa, beautiful wallpaper and other expensive things.

Another reason, and it is more significant, may be aggression towards other animals, children and household members. But is it worth resorting to such radical methods of solving the problem? You need to start from the very basics. You should first try to raise your cat using primitive methods. For example, punish for damaged property, using various ways to show that such behavior is unacceptable.

If you couldn’t come to an agreement with your cat, then you should try to purchase special care items, such as a scratching post. Don’t forget that scratching posts are also different and before you give up, you should try several of their options, because not every one may suit your furry beauty’s taste.

Among other things, it is better to accustom your animal to trimming its nails from a very young age. This manipulation should be carried out approximately every 3-4 weeks, this can also protect your property from damage.

If none of the above methods helped you, then you can use a device called “anti-scratch.” These are caps that are put on the claws and attached with special glue. They do not last forever and require periodic replacement as needed.

Legality

Cosmetic veterinary surgery is popular in the United States - animals have ligaments cut, piercings, and implants inserted. But even in their historical homeland, the “Soft Paws” procedure is abandoned due to the negative impact on health and quality of life. Declawing without indication has already been banned in 12 states.

In European countries, onychectomy without medical indications has long been prohibited; it is considered intentional mutilation. This is not a subjective attitude, but a legal definition of the essence of the process. A complete ban applies in the following countries:

• Great Britain
• Netherlands
• Germany
• Denmark
• Sweden
• Finland
• Norway
• Australia
• Israel
• Brazil
• Portugal
• Czech
• Serbia
• Belgium
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Ireland

In Russia, a project to ban euthanasia, cupping and onychectomy without indications is under development. It will complement the already adopted Responsible Animal Welfare Act. Many breeders stipulate a ban on the removal of phalanges in the sales contract, but it is difficult to track its implementation. About a third of Russian clinics do not provide this service.

What is soft paw surgery?

Onychectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a pet's claws. Popularly, the procedure has the pleasant name “soft paws”, but in fact it is a serious test for the cat. During the manipulation, the veterinarian removes not only the transparent plate with a sharp end, but also the entire claw phalanx (part of the finger). The operation is performed in a clinic under general anesthesia.

Any surgical intervention in one way or another affects the physical and psychological state of the animal. Unlike most surgical procedures, the soft paw procedure is often performed only at the whim of the owner and is not aimed at saving the life and health of the animal.

Pet owners can choose more humane ways to deal with the problem of sharp nails. Among them:

Cat claw covers

• painless trimming of nails twice a month using a special nail clipper;
• purchasing silicone stickers;
• buying a scratching post.

Indications for surgery

There are no absolute indications for “velvet paws” surgery. An owner who agrees to get rid of his pet’s sharp claws once and for all must understand the seriousness and danger of this procedure.

Relative indications for surgical intervention of this kind can be considered:

• exceptionally aggressive nature of a pet that cannot be trained;
• unsuccessful attempts to train an adult pet to sharpen its claws in a specially designated area;
• regular attacks on small children living in the same house with a cat;
• fungal disease of the claw plate in an advanced stage, which is difficult to treat;
• seizures of epilepsy (claws are removed so that during an attack the animal does not injure itself or a person);
• abnormal ingrowth of claws into the fingertips, deformation of the claw phalanx.

Contraindications to amputation of claws

It is strictly forbidden to perform the “velvet paws” operation on cats leading an outdoor lifestyle. Without claws, the animal becomes defenseless and will not be able to climb a tree or protect itself from attacks by stray dogs.

It is highly undesirable to perform onychectomy on cats living on the upper floors. It is known that they love to walk on the balcony and hunt for birds. Without claws, a cat is defenseless; it will not be able to catch on to the railing when falling from a height.

Also, any surgical interventions are contraindicated in cats who are allergic to anesthesia. The consequences of an allergic reaction can be serious, including death.

The structure of cats' paws

Cats are the only family of mammals that walk on pads, without relying on their claws . Yes, sometimes animals run with their claws out, but there must be a good reason for such behavior.

For comparison, canines, rodents, and mustelids step on their paws with their entire weight, and their claws rest on the ground for a stronger “grip.” Simply put, compared to other animals, cats walk on their toes.

The next important nuance is the way the claw grows. It doesn't hurt to cut your nails as long as your finger isn't directly affected. The fact is that a person’s nail grows on top of the finger and is devoid of nerve endings. In a cat, like in many other animals, claws are an extension of the fingers . The claws of animals have a sinus with blood and nerve endings. If you read the scientific description of the structure of a cat's fingers and the knee joints of people, the former will be more complicated.

Unlike other animals, a cat's claws are connected to the fingers by a complex plexus of tendons. In the very section that is responsible for releasing and hiding the claws, there are not only tendons, but also soft joints, muscles, and with them, bundles of very sensitive nerve endings. If this mechanism were not so complex, cats would not have become the most honored hunters. If you compare a dog and a cat, only the second can straighten and pick up its fingers at will. Different dogs may have different toe shapes, but no dog can retract (hide) its claw.

Cat claws are often compared to the phalanges of human fingers, but this analogy is incorrect. The phalanx of the finger does not bend at our request and does not hide when we are not using it.

The complex mechanism of connecting a cat's claws and fingers is directly involved in walking, running, maneuvering, maintaining balance, etc.

In almost any movement, tailed animals use their fingers, which straighten or tuck when necessary.

How is the operation soft paws for cats performed?

If you have made a conscious decision to have a soft paw surgical procedure, it is important to find a good veterinarian who will competently and skillfully perform this operation. It is usually performed under general anesthesia. No one “rips out” the claws, the doctor carefully removes them using special tools, the pillows are not injured, sutures are placed on the incisions, it is better if they are absorbable. The paws are bandaged to protect them from bleeding. Additional medications may be prescribed to help the cat recover better from anesthesia.

But my cat scratches

In many countries, onychectomy is prohibited. In Russia, a ban on cutting off part of a cat's paw has not yet been introduced. But humane veterinary doctors in the Russian Federation do not carry out the procedure, since there are no direct indications. Finding good specialists who will perform the “soft paws” operation in St. Petersburg is almost impossible.

Scratching isn't the only problem. It is worth remembering that a cat not only scratches, but also bites. A bite is much more painful than a scratch. Therefore, the owners will not be able to completely rid themselves of injuries.

So what makes us bring our pet to the clinic? Is this really a necessity or more of a false security imposed by society? Let's try to determine the root cause of the problem to understand whether it is possible to do without surgery.

Description of declawing surgery

Onychectomy is banned in a number of European countries.

Local anesthesia is sometimes used for the operation, but general anesthesia is more often used.

The claws are removed entirely from the first phalanx of the finger. A suture and anesthetic ointment are applied to the damaged area. Then the paw is bandaged, and a collar is put on the cat’s neck, which will protect the seams from licking.

Along with the application of anesthetic ointment, auxiliary injections are administered.

Post-operative cat care

Usually after 6-10 hours the cat can already move independently. It is recommended to keep an eye on her for at least a day or two until she completely recovers from anesthesia; this time is individual for each animal. Veterinarians recommend providing the animal with a comfortable bed on the floor, limiting walking and jumping in the first hours after surgery, and not allowing jumping from a height.

A day or two after the operation, the paws may bleed, and the cat will feel uncomfortable stepping on them, but within 10-12 days everything should return to normal, and the cat will continue to run, play and jump on cabinets.

Technical features of installing and removing fasteners

If the structure with an external location is installed correctly, removing the spokes after a fracture is not difficult - the spokes are simply removed. If the fixation is intraosseous, inside the joint, using nails and screws, then a full-fledged operation is required.

Fixation with knitting needles is used to connect the joints of the limbs and fingers. It can be performed externally, when the end of the needle rises above the surface, or internally, when the entire structure is under the skin. The technique is used as a temporary measure. In some cases, if patellar fractures, clavicular or elbow injuries are fixed, stable fixation and a longer time for fusion are required.

When a hand is broken, osteosynthesis techniques are used - metal structures, knitting needles and an Ilizarov apparatus is installed. They are removed only after complete healing.

Using plates you can fix any bone. This is a convenient and reliable method. Today, many variants of such plates are used, varying in size, shape, and functionality. The plate is used for fractures of the tibia and ankle, when there is a need to fix bone fragments. Its removal occurs as planned. The time of the operation is determined by the doctor.

Intraosseous rods (pins) are used to fix tubular bones - for example, in case of a fracture of the collarbone or leg. Such operations are performed quickly and are characterized by minimal trauma. After fixation, loading is allowed in just a few days.

Removal of the structure is carried out in half an hour if the installation was carried out correctly. If there is damage to the threads or screws, it becomes necessary to drill out the elements.

Rehabilitation of cats after onychectomy

When the cat's claws are removed, the process of recovery after surgery begins, both for the condition of the paws and for the entire body. Fluffy needs the caring attitude of the owner.

There are a number of nuances for caring for a cat:

• pain relief in the form of injections, if necessary;
• daily treatment of wounds;
• the dressing needs to be changed regularly;
• A visit to the doctor is recommended once a week.

The cat is really looking forward to its owner's love and care, only in this case it will get better sooner.

The recovery period after surgery lasts a month. During the first few days it is painful for the cat to stand on its paws; it will be hampered by pain and discomfort. Then the walking process gradually improves, but the cat may limp.

It is better to remove the cat's claws first on the front paws and then on the back paws. One by one deletion is allowed. This requires expert advice.

Features of the rehabilitation period

In order for healing to proceed quickly and without problems, after the intervention you must follow medical recommendations:

• regularly treat the surgical wound and change dressings;
• minimize the load on the injured area;
• exclude thermal procedures (hot bath, saunas, steam baths);
• Do not visit the pool or bodies of water.

To make an appointment with GMS Hospital specialists and remove a foreign object, please call or fill out the feedback form on the website.

Possible complications

There are many negative effects after an operation called “soft paws”. The experience and professionalism of the veterinarian plays a big role - violation of the surgical technology entails a risk of infection. Also, if the soft tissues do not heal properly, the cat may experience discomfort when walking, resulting in changes in the animal’s gait and posture.

Cost of services

The prices indicated in the price list may differ from the actual prices. Please check the current cost by calling +7 495 104 8605 (24 hours a day) or at the GMS Hospital clinic at the address: Moscow, st. Kalanchevskaya, 45.

Dear Clients! Each case is individual and the final cost of your treatment can only be found out after an in-person visit to a GMS Hospital doctor. Prices for the most popular services are indicated with a 30% discount, which is valid when paying in cash or by credit card. You can be served under a VHI policy, pay separately for each visit, sign an agreement for an annual medical program, or make a deposit and receive services at a discount. On weekends and holidays, the clinic reserves the right to charge additional payments according to the current price list. Services are provided on the basis of a concluded contract.

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Consequences of declawing a cat

The results are the most disappointing. Interfering with the structural integrity of a cat’s body, in fact, makes the cat disabled.

In this case, the torment begins the moment the patient wakes up from anesthesia. The poor things are not feeling well. Requires careful care. Nausea and vomiting, increased body temperature and rapid heartbeat are observed. If you are allergic to the components of anesthesia, the outcome can be fatal.

The recovery period lasts at least a month and is complicated by severe pain.

Wounds require daily thorough treatment (washing, applying healing agents, changing the bandage). To avoid tearing off the bandages and injuring the paws, a protective collar is put on the patient, which causes a lot of inconvenience to the already unfortunate creature.

Regardless of the type of anesthesia, the animal experiences severe pain after surgery.

The first days after the operation the animal refuses to eat and does not move. After 5-8 days he takes his first steps, causing physical suffering. The vestibular apparatus undergoes dramatic changes, including when distributing the load. Purr is learning to walk again.

Consequences and complications

Let's look at the complications caused by merciless surgery:

• pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (impaired coordination of movement, falling on paws, changes in gait);
• joint damage (arthritis) caused by load changes;
• purulent infections of bone tissue (osteomyelitis);
• curvature of the spine caused by newly acquired defects (the operated pet steps on the entire foot when walking and running, a healthy individual only on the toes);
• muscle atrophy.

At the same time, the following disease processes are observed:

• bleeding from the wound surface;
• decreased resistance to diseases;
• deformation of nerve endings, in which every step, even after external wound healing, causes pain;
• development of urolithiasis;
• ingrown claw (the stratum corneum remaining after poor-quality treatment grows inward, causing inflammation);
• blood poisoning;
• injuries received by a crippled creature as a result of loss of its former balance;
• dysbiosis and other changes in the digestive organs caused by the consumption of antibiotics necessary for the speedy healing of wounds.

At the same time, onychectomy traumatizes the psyche.

Declawing causes damage to a large number of nerve endings

The pet becomes fearful, aggressive and withdrawn. Instead of claws, she uses her teeth, including without reason (when a person tries to approach her).

Some specimens stop relieving themselves on the tray because they cannot rake up the litter in order to bury excrement. Social life becomes more complicated. Warriors become vulnerable on the street. They may die from the teeth of relatives or dogs.

Relationships with the opposite sex worsen. Love games lose their charm due to the impossibility of giving a slap in the face, which is characteristic of this process.

Amputation leaves an indelible mark on a kitten. Experienced fear, pain and inconvenience make the baby angry, unsociable and antisocial.

Unfortunately, there are currently many supporters of cruel surgery. It seems to them that the procedure will not harm their beloved kitty.

Since ancient times, pulling out people's nails has been equated to torture. This is worth thinking about!

Indications for surgery

You need professional help when inserting any object into soft tissue due to injury. Do not delay your visit to the surgeon if the following situations occur:

• inability to independently remove a foreign object;
• development of bleeding due to damage to the vessel by a foreign body;
• when palpating the location of a foreign object, severe pain is felt;
• infiltration, inflammation or suppuration has occurred in the area where the object was introduced;
• the wound does not heal, a purulent fistula has formed;
• loss of sensitivity is noted at the location of the foreign object.

There is no need to endure pain and delay treatment. All this can end in wound suppuration and general blood poisoning. To avoid complications and quickly forget about the incident, promptly contact a surgeon who will quickly and painlessly carry out all the necessary manipulations.

Alternative to Declawing

There are options in which the risk to your pet’s health is minimized.

Trimming

Murka is fixed so as not to damage the limbs. If necessary, bring in an assistant. Using forceps with rounded ends, carefully cut off the overgrown stratum corneum (no more than one millimeter). The use of scissors is not recommended. Manipulations are fraught with cuts. The structure of the plate is damaged.

Using special stickers

The best way. Non-toxic glue developed by veterinarians is applied to the claws, onto which silicone stickers of the appropriate shape are fixed. Harmless, available in different colors.

The stickers are effective for a month. Good for long-term use.

Gluing silicone caps to the cat's claws

Recovery after surgery

To avoid any infection, your pet will have to be carefully monitored for a week, or maybe more.

Systematic monitoring by a veterinarian will be required. Painkiller injections may also be required.

It is imperative to treat your pet’s stitches, make dressings and make sure that the pet does not chew the bandages or lick the stitches.

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