Declawing (onychectomy) is surgical removal of the nail bed. In cats the nail or claw is produced by a piece of bone called the ungal process located at the end of each toe. This bony process must be removed in its entirety to prevent regrowth of the nail and to optimize healing. Our surgical technique is designed to minimize the size of the wound and the post-operative discomfort to expedite the healing process.

Declaw surgery requires special considerations because of the nature of the procedure, location of the incision site, and grooming habits of cats. Most surgeons elect not to use sutures (stitches) to close declaw incisions. Since most cats would chew and tear stitches out causing open wounds and infection, a special type of tissue glue is used to minimize problems secondary to normal grooming behavior. In addition, the surgery site itself (on the tip and contact surface of the feet) has additional risks and warrants specialized post-operative care.The surgical wounds must withstand the pressure and trauma of weight bearing soon after surgery as well as contamination from floor surfaces and litter boxes. This means bandage therapy, special cat litter, medications, and close post-surgical observation by us and the owner following discharge are all a requirement. Following the procedure, the patient remains hospitalized for 48 hours to insure that proper healing is taking place. The bandages are removed the second day and patients are confined to minimize pressure on the feet and to monitor for problems such as chewing, bleeding, excessive pain, etc. Patients are discharged on the third day.

AFTERCARE:

1. Excercise: Restricting excercise is difficult, but prevent your cat from jumping as much as possible for the first 5 days.

2. Litter box: Replace the normal granular or sandy clay litter with torn strips of newspaper, paper towels, or "Yesterday's News" brand litter for 5 days.

3. Bleeding, swelling, or discharge: Occasionally a cat breaks open one of the small scabs where the nail was removed. A few drops of blood followed by rapid cessation of bleeding is normal, but call the clinic if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling of a toe/foot, or incision discharge that is green or yellow in color.

4. Lameness: Most cats (especially young ones) will bounce back quickly from this procedure and will resume running and playing within 7 days. But it is not uncommon for some cats to recover more slowly. The older, larger cats have more well-developed claws and supportive structures, which can mean a longer convalescent period and soreness on one or both feet for several weeks. Call the clinic if soreness or limping persists for more than 3 weeks.

5. Contact the clinic if any of the following should occur:
   -Loss of appetite for more than 2 days or refusal to drink water for more than 1 day
   -Depression or weakness
   -Vomiting or diarrhea
   -Change in general health or behavior
   -Persistent bleeding, swelling or discharge from a toe or foot
   -Reluctance to walk at all after 2 days at home
   -Lameness or limping after 2-3 weeks