SHOULD I HAVE MY PET DECLAWED?
Many cats never display the destructive behavior of scratching the furniture or drapes or they are content to use a scratching post. If this is the case, there is no reason for declawing. Many cats, however, seem to want to sharpen their claws on everything--the more expensive the better. In these cases, declawing can be a simple solution to the problem.

HOW IS THE SURGERY DONE?
Under general anesthesia, the claws and the tissue from which the claw grows are surgically removed. Usually only the front claws are removed unless the individual shows an inclination to scratch with the rear claws.

IS THE SURGERY SAFE?
Although no surgical procedure is completely void of complications, this one is extremely safe. We use only the safest anesthetics and your pet’s ECG and respiration are electronically monitored throughout the procedure. Pre-surgical lab tests and ECG screening are available to evaluate potential problems with anesthesia, clotting, and healing are available to increase your comfort level. Since even young kittens can harbor Leukemia Virus, we require a negative blood test before any surgery.

WILL MY PET BE IN PAIN AFTER SURGERY?
As pet owners ourselves, we place a high priority on pain control. All surgery patients begin receiving pain medication before they are even anesthetized.

The best means of pain control is the use of a CO2 laser that cuts with a beam of light instead of a scalpel. This seals nerve endings, seals blood vessels, and seals lymphatic vessels. The result is less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, and faster recovery.

Kittens recover very quickly although older cats will sometimes show slight sensitivity for 1-2 weeks.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD THE SURGERY BE DONE?
Surgery can be done at any age. However, the youngest cats usually have the easiest recoveries. Presurgical requirements include a physical examination, negative worm test, a negative Feline Leukemia test, and current vaccinations. Surgery is often scheduled at the same time as the second vaccination series.

SHOULD MY CAT BE CONFINED TO THE HOUSE AFTERWARDS?
All city cats should be confined to the house whether they are declawed or not. Declawed cats can still climb trees, but this doesn’t protect them from other cats, dogs, cars, and disease.

HOW LONG ARE THEY IN THE HOSPITAL?
They are admitted to the hospital the morning of surgery and go home later the same day.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER SURGERY?
We will dispense pain medication to be given at home. It is a small amount of liquid given orally, so it is easy to do. We will also provide a non-clumping litter (Yesterday’s News) that will need to be used for a few days. Occasional licking or slight limping may be seen for a few days and this may persist a little longer for older cats than for kittens. Call if there is any swelling, discharge, or extreme discomfort.