Laser Declawing
(Onychectomy) in Cats
Client
Center > Whats New > State-of-the-art Declawing using a surgical laser
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| (At Westbridge Veterinary Hospital
all declaw procedures are now performed using a surgical laser) |
| About feline
behavior & the decision
to declaw your cat: |
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Scratching with the front claws is a normal & instinctive
behavior for cats |
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Sharp claws are a cat's primary means of defense
and escape (climbing a tree). |
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The purpose of scratching is to remove old, worn
fragments of the nails, keeping them sharp. |
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Although instinctive for cats, this behavior
can be destructive and costly in the home. |
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For many cat owners declawing is the only solution. |
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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. |
| Conventional Method of
Declawing |
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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). |
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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. |
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Hospital stays of two to three days were common. |
| State-of-the-art Declawing Using
a Surgical Laser |
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The most reliable and humane method
now available for performing a declaw (onchiectomy) procedure. |
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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.) |
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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. |
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Cats will often walk normally within 15 minutes
of recovering from the general anesthetic. |
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With the laser there is usually no need for bandages
although elderly cats and large or obese cats may still require
light dressings. |
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Most cats are able to go home the day after surgery. |
| At WVH, all declaw procedures are
now performed using a surgical laser |
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The Westbridge Veterinary Hospital obtained a
surgical laser in 2000 and has been performing laser declaw procedures
ever since. |
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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. |
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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. |
| Post-operative Home Care for Laser
Declaw Patients |
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Replace the normal kitty litter with shredded
newspaper or similar material. |
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Restricting exercise is difficult, but important.
The first five days are the most important and some very active
cats may need to be confined. |
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Try to prevent jumping- especially off heights
(counter tops, etc) onto hard surfaces. Jumping down in particular
may cause pain or bleeding. |
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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. |
| Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following
Occur: |
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The feet are swollen or bleed frequently |
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Your cat is reluctant to walk |
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There is a change in your cat’s general
health or behavior |
| For more information
on the laser declaw procedure or to schedule a declaw procedure,
please call the WVH Reception desk at (508) 584-1600 M-F 8am-5:30pm, & Sat
8am-noon. |
