Cat declawing problems?

Question

Okay I declawed my cat a few months ago, we needed to it was either that or get rid of her because she was tearing up our apartment we rent, as Graduate students paying for ripped screens would not be good. Anyways the vet that did was supposed to be board certfied but they really messed it up. They used to much glue and it fused to her bones, so she had to have another surgery where they removed the glue. She still walks with a limp, its been about 4 months. She is now going to another, better vet who said it could be due to nerve damage!!! She has been on pain meds and we love her so much Is there anything we can do or does anybody have any ideas as to what the problem could be? We do physical therapy with her every day (vet recommended we massage her paws). If worst comes to worst the vet says it will be a perminant limp.. what else can we do?

Forgot to say she is just over a year, so we had the procedure done at a young age.

yeah I thought about suing, but the vet makes you sign a paper since it is a voluntary surgery, and on the bottom it says rare complications can arise. I think because of that suing would not be worth it.
And we got the cat because we are huge animal lovers and our apartment... which is big allows cats. I have had declawed cats my whole life and there has never been a problem to the person who calls me selfious.

Answer 1

I adopted a cat who had problems due to the previous owner declawing. When I called about Bobby they said he used to limp....etc. The positive is that Bobby no longer limps - you would not know he ever had a problem. When I got him he was little over a year old also. Unfortunately, I do not know how the rescue organization treated Bobby though I know he was receiving vet care on a routine basis. Even though I do not know what they did exactly, I thought I would provide a ray of hope by telling you that I know personally that it can work out ok. I would also report the vet who did the declawing to the state vet board - I would file a formal complaint. Perhaps you can get refunded your money or for the costs that you are incurring now. Like a medical malpractice claim. Each state has a vet board. You could easily get the numbers by doing some basic research. I highly recommend you pursue that avenue. Filing a complaint will only cost you your time. I bet you could also file a claim in Small Claims court for costs. I would research all remedies available to you under the laws of your state. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Why do you state 'what is everyone's problem' It is not everyone's problem, in fact it is not a problem at all, it is a mere fact of educating people as to the atrocity of declawing.We care not for people who abuse their cats, we care only for the cats being abused, therefore we try to ensure that those people who do not know declawing is abuse, are given the true facts. You talk blithely of cleaning wounds, watching for infection, pain medication, just as if this surgery was necessary for the cats health.But it is not and I think you are over justifying your own stance on declawing because you know that. You have apparently opened a new yahoo answers account specifically to air your own views. There is no doubt about the fact that removing the last joint of a cats toes is cruel and it is evil. Whether the cat suffers physical or mental torment from this makes no moral difference because a cat is a cat, a cat has claws, if you do not like the claws, do not have a cat.Cats should not be redesigned to how you think they should be,they come as they are and should be respected ! This is your problem and will remain so until you admit how wrong declawing is !

Answer 3

I heard about problems (nerve damage) from declawing that's why I never opted to declaw my cat. I just make sure there' s plenty of scratching post for my cat to ensure he does not tear up my furniture and fortunately, he never touched my leather couch.

So sorry about your cat. That's disheartening. Since you signed a form stating that you vet is not responsible from any injury associated with the surgery, then I don't think you have any other options but to ensure your cat has the best medical care and well loved by you until the end of her life.

Answer 4

I had a cat declawed several years ago when she was six or seven. I thought the vet I was taking her to would be doing the surgery but one of his associates did it. He did a horrible job. In fact he declawed all four paws at one time. I was totally livid. Why would any vet do that?? Fortunately, she has been much happier since she was declawed. It's rare but she is a special cat. She does, however, suffer from phantom toe syndrom and sometimes chews on her feet until she cries out and runs away. Most of the time she is fine and happy and well adjusted. I hope your kitty will end up with no permanent pain. If a limp is the worst she has then you are both doing great.

Answer 5

I don't agree with declawing but I do agree with the fact that you comprimised with your kitty and instead of disowning it you just had it declawed which is better then leaving them at a shelter or dumping it somewhere. I would seriously think about filing a complaint with the business bureau in your area about that other vet! That is terrible, just keep giving your cat lots of love and I'm sure it will start feeling better.

Answer 6

When I had my cat declawed YEARS AGO. She had a problem and they ended up having to put her on steriods and antiboitics because little balls had formed at the tip of each finger. Within a couple of weeks and all of her meds she was back to normal. We didn't notice right away that she wasnt walking on her feet the right way she was walking more to the back instead of the tips. The vet said 9 out of 10 cats get it and with meds the cats heal just fine.

Answer 7

Im really sorry to hear that. Honestly. Just look @ my name! Anyways, I'm not sure what to tell you. I'm not an expert. I don't want to make you feel worse, but you shouldn't have gotten the cat declawed. It's inhumane from my point of view. Sorry. Anyways, listen to the vet. And I think you should get suggestions from other vets as well. Not only one. Gather up info and then decide what to do. Hope she feels better.

Answer 8

This is one of the many complications that results from declawing.

There really isn't much else you can do. Just listen to the vet and continue with the therapy.

For any future cats, please read this guide on declawing. It isn't all crazy like PETA or anything, just presents the facts.

Declawing FAQ guide. http://www.pawproject.com/html/faqs.asp

EDIT: While it used to be common practice to decalw cats, it wasn't neccessary and it cruel to do. Many complications can arise, and many do not come until later in life.

It is illegal in many countries, and a town in California. It has been banned because those countries and town consider it to be animal cruelty.

I live in a small apartment (1000 sq. feet) and I have two cats that have all of their claws. They scratch nothing but their scratchers. They sit quietly for their montly nail trimming and happily accept the few treats I reward them with (i use treats as rewards, not as daily treats).

Answer 9

Did you make the other vet pay for the damage caused? That is terrible! I would try to sue their pants off. Poor kitty! I'm so glad to hear that you are taking good care of her though. I really don't have any advice to help her. Nerve damage is a serious thing and that kind of sounds like that's what the problem is. I would find a really good vet and follow their advice. Hopefully this new vet is good and they know what they are doing. If you have any doubts though, I'd call around and find someone else.

Answer 10

Well the therapy of a paw massage could be good just a little patients and in time the paw will be okay, but I don't guaranty it.
You can go and see a specialist for cats to be sure if the problem will or not persists.
Hope your cat gets well she's still young!