Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat claw removal: laser, scalpel, or guillotine method risks compared
By Clark, Kyle et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2014·Department of Companion Animals·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Comparison of 3 methods of onychectomy.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study looked at 87 cats that had their claws removed using three different methods: laser, scalpel, and guillotine. After at least a year, the cats were checked for any regrowth of claws and complications. The results showed that while there was no major difference in claw regrowth between the methods, more cats that had the guillotine method had leftover bone fragments, which were linked to claw regrowth. Cats that had laser surgery experienced fewer complications. Overall, laser onychectomy may be the best option to minimize issues after surgery.
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Abstract
The frequency of claw regrowth, bony remnants, and complications in cats that underwent forelimb onychectomy using laser, scalpel, or guillotine techniques were evaluated. Eighty-seven client-owned cats were recruited from 27 veterinary clinics in the Canadian Atlantic provinces. At least 1 year after onychectomy the cats underwent a physical examination, gait analysis, and radiographic evaluation by 1 of 2 authors. There was no significant difference in the frequency of claw regrowth among the 3 methods (P = 0.283). Significantly more cats had bony remnants following guillotine onychectomy (P < 0.001). Bony remnants were significantly associated with claw regrowth (P = 0.001). Cats that underwent laser onychectomy had significantly less post-operative complications (P = 0.023). The long-term outcome was not significantly different among the 3 methods. We conclude that leaving remnants of the third phalanx in situ is associated with an increased frequency of claw regrowth. Laser onychectomy may be preferred to reduce the risk of post-operative complications, bony remnants, and claw regrowth.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24587509/