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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: Can you tell me
about a new and less invasive method of de-clawing cats? -- T. L, Marrieta,
Ga.
A: We assume you
mean laser de-claw. Dr. Rod Hartwick, of Chesapeake, Va., was the first
veterinarian in the country to perform laser de-claw surgery. "I
hated the pain associated with traditional de-claw surgery; the poor cats
went through awful pain. I searched for something better," he says.
For one thing, there’s
no bleeding involved. And Hartwick claims the cats are up and walking
by the end of the day.
Dr. Peter Eeg, of
Boyds, Md., has a special interest in pain management. And what he likes
best about laser de-clawing is how comparatively little pain is involved.
"The idea of laser de-claw when compared to traditional de-claw is
the difference between turning on a 10 watt light bulb, and turning on
the stadium lights at Madison Square Garden," he said. Eeg’s feline
clients also return home the same day, and that means less stress for
all involved. Still, he does prescribe some painkiller for de-clawed kitties.
Dr. Drew Weigner,
a feline specialist in Atlanta, Ga., remains skeptical. "No matter
how you cut it, you’re still performing a de-claw and that means removing
the claw and that little piece of bone with it. I can’t imagine it’s pain
free." Another problem is finding a vet with the equipment to perform
the new procedure. You can try calling your state veterinary medical association
if your own vet can’t offer a referral. Prices vary. Hartwick says his
fee is about $100, and Eeg is in $240 range.
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