My cat was declawed on March 16, just the front paws. Now she's favoring her right front paw (started 2-3 days ago- thought I'd give her time to see if it would get better and it hasn't) She seems to be in some pain. I was wondering if it had anything to do with the declawing, or if she might have hurt it some other way.
I'm calling her vet (they are at lunch right now! I tried a few minutes ago.), but wanted some opinions.
(Oh, and before everyone jumps in on the old argument about declawing-it was the most horrible thing I have ever done, and I wish I could take it back. I had no idea what all it entailed, and even though I did some research, I didn't do enough. When I first saw her after she was declawed, I was devastated! It was horrible.)
Thanks!
2010-04-08T11:44:48Z
I did get some information from my vet, but it was mostly from friends who have cats declawed.
Anyways, just talked to my vet and she is going in to get checked this afternoon.
Ocimom2010-04-08T11:43:58Z
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I know the feeling - I did it to my first cat and regretted it big time when he came home - vowed to NEVER do that to another cat again!
This is one of the typical reactions to declawing. Your cat probably is in pain and may or may always have a problem with that foot. The only thing you can do is have a vet take a look to be sure there is not a problem.
Be prepared for the negative results (not using the litter pan cause her feet hurt) or biting more in fear. Just keep her inside and please vow to never do it to another cat again. Because you made a wrong decision and cannot reverse things, you should be responsible and keep her permanently even if she has future problems - don't be dumping her in a shelter cause she develops undesirable behaviors due to declawing.
Yeah, this is probably from the declaw surgery. Complications can happen in one or both paws. It could be a post-op infection or perhaps too much bone was left behind. Or sometimes cats just have neuropathic pain (neuropathic means something is wrong with the nerves - it's like phantom limb pain) after a declaw, though usually neuropathic pain happens years later.
It's definitely time to see the vet. Post-op problems can be the vet's fault for doing a poor job, they can be your fault for improperly caring for the wounds (one of the biggest things owners do to cause a post-op infection is to use the wrong cat litter), or they might be no-one's fault - there is always a risk of complications even when everything is done perfectly. If it's the vet's fault, most vets will own up to their mistakes and fix the problem for free or very low cost. But human nature being what human nature is, some vets might not be truthful. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your vet's exam and treatment, see a second vet for another opinion.
RE: Declawed cat, limping? My cat was declawed on March 16, just the front paws. Now she's favoring her right front paw (started 2-3 days ago- thought I'd give her time to see if it would get better and it hasn't) She seems to be in some pain. I was wondering if it had anything to do with the declawing, or if she...
oh no. not the declawing questions again. you should never have done that! sorry to tell you in such a harsh way but that's just terrible! you should have thought about what you were doing before you did it. anyway, whats done is done. your cat is going to be in a lot of pain! you know that declawing is like cutting your fingers off to the first knuckle. the pain in her paws is definitely because of that. you could cripple your cat by declawing it. if your vet actually did that to your poor kitty, i suggest you get a new vet because it is inhumane. it may have permanent damage to its paws now so of course its going to be limping. vets are supposed to be helping animals, not hurting them.
Declaw surgeries are often botched. Don't expect the vet to admit to anything though. If s/he doesn't have a solution for you, try finding a vet who doesn't declaw to see her. They won't be trying to cover their butts and will be more helpful. It's possible she has infection set in. Hopefully, something can be done to help her. I wish you had researched before you did this to her. So many people just jump into it and never think about the consequences till it's too late. Please spread the word to anyone you know who has a cat. Maybe you can save another from having to endure it.