Need words of wisdom....

[furmomof5]

I took my cat Scardy to the vet today for a follow up appointment for his Plasma cell pododermatitis.  While I was there I was talking to the vet about his toe nail issues.  When I first came across Scardy he was a feral adult cat who walked weird.  After getting him to trust me I saw his toe nails had grown out and into the pads of his feet, a few had pushed all the way thru the top of his feet.  When I took him in to get neutered I had them remove the toe nails from his feet (basically they trimmed the nail and pulled them back out).  His nails have never been right, no matter how I try and I feel they might be causing him some discomfort when he walks.  The vet took x-ray and showed them to me, now I really had no clue what I was looking at but he showed me a "normal" one and then he showed me Scardys.  The first little bones in my poor boys feet are destroyed!  The vet said he probably had some type of infection or fungus that attacked the bone while he was feral.  The vet recommended that I get his front feet declawed to help ease any pain that he is in (his back feet are normal).

My issue is I am 100% against declawing a cat and now I have to do it.  I want what is best for my fur babies and I know this is the best thing for him but it is still freaking me out.  This poor cat has been thru soooo much with his feet already and now I have to do this to him, I am heart broken.  My vet is a wonderful vet & I trust his decision, he even tried to put my mind at ease by explaining the best route to go.  Unfortunately he does not preform declawing at his office (hes against it too).

I was wondering if any of you have had to have your cats "medically" declawed before?  What can I expect when it comes to getting an adult cat declawed (I'm guessing he is about 5 years old)?  Any experiences with laser declawing?  Any tips, advise or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

[furmomof5]

Thank you all for your valued insight and opinions! :-)  It is a hard thing for me to accept but I know it is in my boy's best interest.  I would do anything in my power to make my fur baby more comfortable.  Now comes the hours and hours of research! lol  I never even thought about a vet school for this, there is one in Ocala (UF) that I will defiantly look into.  Thankfully this won't have to be address for a few more weeks, the Dr put him back on his meds.  Hopefully see more of an improvement of his "pillow feet."  I will keep everyone posted! :-)

[aligator79]

I had a thought.  If there is a vet school near you you might try there for an additional opinion.  It might be a little more costly- usually not much- but you would get expert care. They may also have an option that you may not have at a general vets office.

I am TOTALLY against declawing but you could think of it this way.  99.9% of people declaw for their own convenience.  You would be doing it for kitties health and comfort not convenience of anyone.  Especially when your vet doesn't do the procedure in his office because of his non-belief but recommends it for this kitty.  

[opus88]

poor little Scardy, he has endured so much. I understand the dilemma you are facing..I too am against declawing. However it sounds to me that Scardy is in a great amount of pain as he is and something has to be done to try to correct this....

I would consult a trusted Veterinary SURGEON who does do this procedure and question him on his thoughts...would a declaw correct the issue and leave him more pain free? His poor little toes are in terrible condition and there has to be a way to give him some pain free improvement. If a declaw would give him the desired result than by all means its warranted.

I don't know anything abt laser declawing, except what I've read online as you yourself have most likely also have. It claims to less painful with faster healing. I've also read to be sure and have an experienced surgeon as with an inexperienced one there could be complications such as 'burning'

good luck and prayers for little Scardy, he is so lucky to have such a loving caring mommy...this poor little critter has had a hard life:(

[BluCrystal]

Hi, I used to work for a vet who would do declaws.  I don't agree with it, either, unless it's medically necessary, like your kitty.  I recall that younger cats seemed to adapt better to the declaw than older cats.  Your cat is about middle-aged.  I would expect maybe some extra bleeding afterward, which your doctor will monitor (and not allow kitty to leave the hospital until bleeding has stopped).  You will be given meds to control pain.  Your kitty will most likely lick his paws alot once he's home.  He should not limp, and if he does, contact your vet.  Also remember that declawed cats must remain indoors for life, as they no longer have front-claw 'weapons' to protect themselves with.  Blessings to you and your kitty - Blu