- Tendonectomy
Tendonectomy is the surgical cutting of
tendon s, and is generally only practiced in veterinary medicine.Tendonectomy in cats
Performing a tendonectomy on a
cat is an alternative toonychectomy ("declawing") which severs the end of the digit. Tendonectomy may be considered less painful for the cat than onychectomy; however, it is not recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).In the tendonectomy, a small portion of the tendon in each of a cat's toes is surgically removed to prevent the cat from being able to extend the claws. Unable to extend the claws, the cat is no longer capable of scratching.
Claws will continue to grow following tendonectomy, and because the cat can no longer extend the claws to scratch, the cat will not wear down the claws as before.
Therefore, among other considerations, the cat owner should evaluate the ongoing maintenance required in the form of regular claw trimming thereafter when considering this procedure.
In terms of studies on the impact of onychectomy ("declawing") versus tendonectomy, the American Veterinary Medical Association reported, in its August 1, 1998 issue, on any major complications and drawbacks among the two operations. Their report included pain, future complications, and owner satisfaction. Cats who underwent tendonectomy displayed significantly lower pain immediately following the procedure versus those who underwent onychectomy ("declawing"). However, both procedures showed an equal frequency of other complications, such as bleeding, lameness, and infection. Cats took the same number of days to recover from both operations (as measured by normalcy in walking), and owners were equally satisfied with both options.
External links
* [http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/apr03/030415c.asp Journal for the American Veterinary Medical Association]
* [http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/tendonectomy.php Tendonectomy: A Surgical Alternative To Declawing Cats]
* [http://www.cathelp-online.com/health/declaw.php CatHelp-Online]
* Grier, K. and Peterson, N. "Indoor Cats, Scratching, and the Debate over Declawing: When Normal Pet Behavior Becomes a Problem." Humane Society Press, 2005. http://www.hsus.org/web_file/PDF/hsp/SOA_3-2005_Chap3.pdf
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