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Laser Declawing (Onychectomy) in Cats

 At Westbridge Veterinary Hospital all declaw procedures are now performed using a surgical laser

• Sharp claws are a cat's primary means of defense and escape (climbing a tree).
• The purpose of scratching is to remove old, worn fragments of the nails, keeping them sharp.
• Although instinctive for cats, this behavior can be destructive and costly in the home.
• For many cat owners declawing is the only solution.
• As always, we strongly recommend that all declawed cats be confined indoors for the rest of their lives, for they are unable to defend themselves nor can they adequately flee up a tree if threatened or attacked by other animals. 

• For many years declawing (onychectomy) was performed under a general anesthetic using a conventional scalpel or other sharp instrument to remove the nail and the nail bed (the tissue that forms new nails).
•  Many cats exhibited some degree of mild to moderate discomfort for a few days post-operatively necessitating the use of bandages and pain killing medications (analgesics) for the patient.
• Hospital stays of two to three days were common.

• The most reliable and humane method now available for performing a declaw (onchiectomy) procedure.
• The laser focuses intense light energy into the tissues in a precise manner that “cuts” tissues while sealing small blood vessels and vaporizing tiny nerve endings. (After healing cats have normal sensation in their feet.)
• By minimizing tissue damage and bleeding, the laser procedure greatly decreases or eliminates the post-operative swelling and soreness that is commonly seen in cats declawed with the traditional method.
• Cats will often walk normally within 15 minutes of recovering from the general anesthetic.
• With the laser there is usually no need for bandages although elderly cats and large or obese cats may still require light dressings.
• Most cats are able to go home the day after surgery.

• The Westbridge Veterinary Hospital obtained a surgical laser in 2000 and has been performing laser declaw procedures ever since.
• Since implementing the laser technique, we have seen post-operative patient comfort greatly improve, healing time decreased, and fewer post-operative complications such as bleeding, infections, or painful neuroma formation.
• At the Westbridge Veterinary Hospital we are committed to providing the best possible care for your pet and we are proud of our laser capabilities.                                    

• Replace the normal kitty litter with shredded newspaper or similar material.
• Restricting exercise is difficult, but important. The first five days are the most important and some very active cats may need to be confined.               
• Try to prevent jumping- especially off heights (counter tops, etc) onto hard surfaces. Jumping down in particular may cause pain or bleeding.
•  Occasionally a cat breaks open one of the scabs where the nail was removed. A few drops of blood that do not continue are probably not a cause for concern, but persistent bleeding is an indication to call the Hospital.

• The feet are swollen or bleed frequently
• Your cat is reluctant to walk
• There is a change in your cat’s general health or behavior