Evaluation of short-term limb function following unilateral carbon dioxide laser or scalpel onychectomy in cats.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate short-term postoperative forelimb function after scalpel and laser onychectomy in cats.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective study.


METHODS
20 healthy adult cats.


METHODS
Cats were randomly assigned to the laser (n = 10) or scalpel (10) onychectomy group. Unilateral left forelimb onychectomy was performed. In the scalpel group, a tourniquet was used during surgery and a bandage was applied after surgery. Pressure platform gait analysis was performed prior to and 1, 2, 3, and 12 days after onychectomy. Peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse, and the ratio of the PVF of the left forelimb to the sum of the remaining limbs (PVF ratio) were used as outcome measures.


RESULTS
The laser onychectomy group had significantly higher ground reaction forces on days 1 and 2 and significantly higher PVF ratio on day 12, compared with the scalpel group. Similarly, significant differences were found in change in ground reaction forces on days 1 and 2 and the PVF ratio on day 12, compared with day -1. No cats required rescue analgesia during the course of the study. One cat in the laser group had signs of depression and was reluctant to walk on day 2 after surgery, had physical examination findings consistent with cardiac insufficiency, and was euthanized.


CONCLUSIONS
Cats had improved limb function immediately after unilateral laser onychectomy, compared with onychectomy with a scalpel, tourniquet, and bandage. This improved limb function may result from decreased pain during the 48 hours following unilateral laser onychectomy.
Robinson
Duane A
DA
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Romans
Cory W
CW
Gordon-Evans
Wanda J
WJ
Evans
Richard B
RB
Conzemius
Michael G
MG
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002415:Cats; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D013522:Surgery, Veterinary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome