Laser Declaw Procedure
General Information
Scratching with the front claws is normal, instinctive behavior for cats. The purpose of this activity is to remove old, worn fragments of nails. Though scratching is normal for cats, this behavior can be destructive and costly in the home. For many cat owners, declawing is the only solution.
A declawed cat should be confined indoors, since the claws are its primary means of defense. A house cat has little need for defense and is a more suitable pet because it can no longer ruin furnishings or scratch people.
Surgical Procedures
The Laser Declaw Procedure (LDP) is performed under general anesthesia and consists of surgical removal of the nail bed. The feet are not usually bandaged as we use special surgical glue or suturing technique. After returning home, your pet will be able to walk normally.
REMEMBER: Your cat had Laser Surgery and there is a significant reduction in post-op pain, HOWEVER, there is a surgical site that must heal. Please keep your cat quiet for several days. DO NOT let them have the run of the house. Since there is very little discomfort, they may want to climb onto a counter top or cabinets. If they jump down they may open the surgery site and bleeding may occur.
Home Care
1. Exercise: Restricting exercise is difficult. However, you should prevent your cat from jumping as much as possible for the first 5 days.
2. Bleeding: 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 are normal. Call the doctor if bleeding persists.
3. Litter box: Follow the instructions checked.
Replace the normal granular clay litter with torn strips of newspaper for days. No change in litter material is necessary.
4. Special instructions: ________________________________________________
Notify the doctor if any of the following occur:
• Your cat’s feet appear swollen or bleed frequently.
• Your pet is reluctant to walk.
• There is a change in your cat’s general health or behavior.
• Your cat removes a suture or otherwise irritates the incision.
• Your cat refuses to eat or is depressed after the first day home.
• There is a change in your cat’s general health.
( ) Pre-op blood screen results were _____ normal _____ abnormal.
( ) Suture removal is is not necessary.
( ) Your cat will be evaluated for suture removal in _____ days.
( ) Apply triple antibiotic to incision two times daily for five days.
( ) Anti-pain injection given.
( ) Toe nails trimmed.
( ) Vaccines Updated: CVR____ Felv ____ RV ____
( ) Recheck in ____ days or Not required ____
Thank you, The staff at . Our phone number is: