Surgery to relieve paw pain in declawed cats with behavior issues

Abstract

Objectives Onychectomized cats ( Felis catus) with inappropriate elimination behaviors or aggression may be responding to painful paw pathology, even several years after the initial onychectomy. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the onychectomized toes of this population of cats for pain (thorough physical examination and/or buprenorphine trial), pathological changes (using high-resolution radiographs) and response to tenectomy in those with hyperflexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Methods Cats in this study were previously onychectomized and exhibited inappropriate behaviors (inappropriate elimination, biting), exhibited pain associated with the onychectomy site or had behavioral improvements when put on a 2-week buprenorphine trial. A detailed history was obtained, including verification of proper litter box placement and management. Physical examinations included a close analysis of the onychectomized digits for resistance to extension and pain on palpation. Only cats with a normal urinalysis were included in the study. High-resolution radiographic imaging was performed on all study cats. A total flexor tenectomy was performed on cats with hyperflexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints. Results All 42 cats included in the study benefited from total flexor tenectomy surgery. Two cats remained biters, even after a long course of analgesic medication. All cats walked more comfortably post-tenectomy surgery. Conclusions and relevance Onychectomy can lead to pain, inappropriate elimination and aggressive behavior. The presented salvage tenectomy procedure can alleviate or eliminate inappropriate behaviors by reducing the pain from the original onychectomy.