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Back Feet Declaw Problems

Sent to Pet Experts July 27, 2006 10:38 p.m.

My 3 yr old cat was declawed at age 5mos front and back claws. He "picked" at the back feet and they bled on and off for months regularly. At times, they even bleed now. Upon closer inspection I see that 2 of his toes on one of his back feet have "fused" together. When I touch them it does bother him, and I even see him regularly stop whatever he's doing to lick and pull at it with his teeth. Yes, this has been going on for 3 years. Can his toes be separated? How painful will that be for him? Is this something that regularly happens when the back feet are declawed? Thanks! Lynne

Optional Information:
Age: 3; Male; Breed: Siamese Cat

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Answer
July 27, 2006 10:48 p.m. (9 minutes and 10 seconds later)

REPLIED

It sounds like chronic inflammation has caused what appears to be the two toes coming together. The skin has been stretched as far as it will go and there is potentially infection present, suture reaction, undesolved suture, etc. Declawing is a major surgery and the back paws are even more difficult to do correctly. My concern is that this procedure was not done properly and part of the bone that should have been removed still remains. If not done right the nail will actually try and grow back. My recommendation to you is to take him to a different veterinarian than the one who performed the surgery and have the feet surgically explored. Make sure they have laser capabilities. He doesn't deserve to hurt for years as a result of this surgery.

Please keep me informed of his condition.

Thank you

Theresa

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Reply to Theresa
Sent July 27, 2006 10:55 p.m. (7 minutes and 36 seconds later)

I want to claify what I understand from you. First, let me say that I haven't actually tried to separate his toes. They just appear to be fused. Is it possible that they are just swollen and aren't actually fused? He runs around just like he's fine, other than the occasional licking and picking. I'm willing to look into a different vet to correct his problem but quite honestly I'm afraid of what this correction surgery could cost. Can you give me an idea of what they'll want to do if they determine they are fused?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
July 27, 2006 11:03 p.m. (7 minutes and 37 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

Without seeing him I can only suggest based on what I have seen before. Yes, I believe that chronic inflammation has caused this condition. I don't believe they are fused as in bone to bone unless this is how they were in the beginning before surgery. He has had 3 years to adjust to this chronic pain, it isn't anything new to him, just annoying and I bet once fixed you will see a completely different little boy. I have no idea what the cost would be as the prices vary. If they do feel it is a result of the declaw they are going to want to sedate him to explore the area(s) and remove the bone at the proper joint or remove any chips present. The price range could be anywhere from 150-300 dollars depending on how the condition is and how long it takes to repair it. Really, it isn't an emergency as he has been living this way for a long time so saving up money is an option, but taking him in for an exam, antibiotics, pain meds, and getting an estimate is recommended.

Thanks

Theresa

Theresa -- The Voice for Your Pet -- 100% Positive Feedback on 804 Pet Accepts
Veterinary Technician for 15 years

Reply to Theresa
Sent July 27, 2006 11:14 p.m. (10 minutes and 51 seconds later)

Thank you so much for answering the question and follow-up so thoroughly. I'll make an exam appt. for him with a local vet I trust. Lynne

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